YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Yom Haatzmaut
- The Obligation of Thanking Hashem
The "Torah World" and Torah study in general has flourished throughout large sections of the nation since the establishment of the State, and especially in more recent years. This phenomenon is closely linked to another one – the renewal of the Hebrew language as a living, spoken language. It has really been a "resurrection of the dead."
The mishna in Avot (2:1) instructs us to be careful with a "light mitzva" like with a severe one. The Rambam gives, as one of the examples of a light mitzva, speaking the "holy language." So he counts speaking Hebrew as a light mitzva (I don’t know if all olim agree that it is light and easy). There are many indications that already in the middle of the Second Temple period, many Jews, even in Eretz Yisrael, started speaking foreign languages instead of Hebrew. Once the Jewish community of Eretz Yisrael was destroyed and the great majority of Jews were dispersed throughout the Diaspora, Hebrew stopped being used as a spoken language. True, many Jews davened and learned in Hebrew, but few people understood what the Rabbinic texts that were written in Hebrew meant. A small group of talmidei chachamim continued to produce written works in Hebrew (although even some Torah works were written in foreign languages – most of the Rambam’s sefarim were written in Arabic). In any case, those who learned the Hebrew sefarim had to first translate them in their minds to their spoken language.
When the words of Torah were learned through translation, much of the meaning and nuance of the works were lost. It became impossible for many to connect one source to another based on the words used, which is most impactful in the study of Tanach. We will illustrate with the help of the first pasuk of our parasha. The words "emor," "kohanim," "l’nefesh," "yitama," and "b’amav" can all be understood in different ways. Kohanim is a great example. At first glance, a kohen is always a descendant of Aharon through the male side. However, we find in Tanach: "the sons of David were kohanim" (Shmuel II, 8:18) even though they obviously were not descendants of Aharon and did not receive portions given to kohanim. Rather, it means that they served in David’s government, as is clear from context and from Divrei Hayamim (I, 27:32-34).
This generation’s high level of Torah scholarship is aided by the fact that Hebrew is now a spoken language, so that people understand the sources directly. (Learners should be careful not to assume that every use of a word in a classical source is the same as people use it in our times). So this cultural miracle can be seen as part of the fulfillment of the dry bones being brought to life (Yechezkel 37).
In conclusion, we point out that the great amount of translations that exist for classical sources, on the one hand, lets non-Hebrew-speakers "off-the-hook" from learning Hebrew, but on the other hand opens up much Torah to easier access. Let us pray that we will merit seeing to an even fuller degree: "For from Zion Torah will come forth, and the word of Hashem from Jerusalem" (Yeshayahu 2:3).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
