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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The highest level of sanctity is the expression of complete life to its fullest degree. Tiredness, similar to sadness, disturbs the lofty and pure expansion of sanctity. Particularly lofty thoughts and deep feelings, which cannot be held back within boundaries, cannot expand with full impact when one’s spirit is tired. Being tired and weary strengthens the "teeth" of the spiritual Amalek, which does not fear Hashem (based on Devarim 25:18).
It is better for impactful, sacred events to be delayed slightly until the tired regain strength and the weak say, "I am strong now." One should feel his power, starting with the power of the flesh and blood, upon which the strength of the spirit and the soul can rest.
During the time of weakness, an event’s imprint may provide a false message, making people believe that Hashem prefers weakness and life without initiative. Therefore, one should wait until the point that the strength of the body and spirit return to their secure path. Then, the spiritual event will be received like raindrops on grass on the blessed "young vegetation." For this reason, during the first day of the week, which is clouded by weakness, Hashem did not say anything to the people because of their weariness from the road.
By the time Monday came, the people were ready to receive the promise of segula (a special status as a unique nation). This crucial status of segula, which was a basic goal of the emerging nation, was ready to be bestowed when the preparations were complete. However, even before this happened, the potential for segula already existed. Therefore, already on Monday, before all the steps that the nation took [to prepare for the receiving of the Torah] to be ready for the great light and when they took control of life, the proclamation of the nation’s imminent segula status was already announced.
The goal of the segula and lofty sanctity found expression on the national level, first and foremost, as the pasuk says: "You shall be for Me a kingdom of priests." This means that they should be teachers and special guides for the whole world. This requires them to be holy in their external and internal lives, both on an individual and a national level. They would reach the greatest of these statuses only at a later time, and Hashem’s providence focuses upon guiding the world until it He has led it to that point. The final actuality is rooted in the initial thought, even though in order to realize it, one has to traverse complex roads. Both positive and negative preparatory experiences are needed to bring it about.
Dispute and gehinom (purgatory) were created on the second day (Bereishit Rabba 4:6). These are two rungs upon which one has to tread in order to make it to the summit of the goal. But "Hashem’s word shall stand forever" (Yeshayahu 40:8). Before we even performed the matters of preparation and action, we were already promised what would happen at the End of Days. The potential for these spiritual attainments were the segulot that were there from the outset. "You shall be for Me a kingdom of priests" was said on Monday.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
