Beit Midrash

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קטגוריה משנית
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To dedicate this lesson
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The gemara (Shabbat 88a) learns from the pasuk, "They stood at the bottom of the mountain" (Shemot 19:17) that He held the mountain over them like a tub, threatening them that if they did not accept the Torah, "There would be your grave." So it turns out that after Bnei Yisrael willingly accepted upon themselves, before the Torah was given, to keep all the words of the Torah, they still needed to be threatened. Many commentaries wonder about the need for this, and several answers have been given.

The following explanation may be close to the truth. Man has the power to desire something strongly, and man has the power to carry it out. On a theoretical basis, the two are directly connected to each other. When a person wants something, he will carry through on it. However, in practice there is a big difference between desire and actualization. There are many things that we know are good and worthwhile and yet they remain within the realm of plans that one would like to do … but does not do them. This is because carrying out things requires effort, giving up on conveniences, and overcoming obstacles. To overcome these, good will is insufficient.

We remember well the days of struggle against the British Mandate before the establishment of the State. The struggle was very, very difficult and included a lot of "inconvenience." Yet, the Jewish inhabitants of Eretz Yisrael stood up to the challenge nobly. They were willing to pay the price, whatever was necessary to reach the goal. In contrast, from the time of the establishment of the State, we have often seen a relaxation of the tension, a weakening of resolve, and a lack of carrying out of that which needs to be done. It is not that there is no possible way to succeed but is due to a lack of stubbornness to get the job done at any price. What caused the difference? It is because at the time of the establishment of the State, the question was raised in the sharpest manner, as people felt that there was no alternative. It was clearly a make or break situation. As people used to say: "We have a secret weapon, whose name is aleph bet: ein bereira (there is no choice)." As they would say in the Navardok Yeshiva: "When there is a possibility to pass, it is necessary to pass; and when it is necessary, then it is possible."

The same attitude is true regarding the acceptance of the Torah. Certainly, Bnei Yisrael’s unanimous response of na’aseh v’nishma (we will do and hear) was sincere and expressed the people’s good will. However, Hashem knew the characteristic of the people and that not much later they would dance around the Golden Calf. After all, there is a great distance between the theoretical and the practical. It is easy and pleasant to dance around the calf, and it is difficult to "kill oneself in the tent of Torah." Therefore, there is a need for Divine Assistance, help which comes to one who is sincere in his desire to follow the straight path. This is what Chazal described as holding the mountain over their head. In other words, Hashem was telling them that not just good will would get them to accept the Torah, but that actually there is no choice. Israel’s existence depends on the extent to which they accept the Torah. The feeling of ein bereira gives the good will the ability to carry out their desire in practice.
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Lessons
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    Beha'alotcha

    The Consolation of Lighting the Menora - Rav Kook at the Third Shabbat Meal

    15 Sivan 5784
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    Beha'alotcha

    Why Was Miriam Punished?

    Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon | 5777
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    Prayer

    ?How we should dress for Prayer

    Chapter five-part two

    Chapter five-part two

    Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | 5775
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    Prayer

    Who Can Be Counted in a Minyan?

    Chapter Two-part three

    Can every ten men be a Minyan or are there other conditions?

    Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
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    P'ninat Mishpat

    Historical View of Rav Mordechai Yaakov Breish (Chelkat Yaakov)

    Various Rabbis | 5775
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    Happy Occasions

    Fasting and Feasting on a Yahrzeit

    “My father’s yahrzeit falls during the week of sheva brachos for my grandson. May I attend the sheva brachos?” "My yahrzeit falls on Shabbos this year. Do I fast on Friday or Sunday instead?" "I usually fast on my father’s yahrzeit, but someone is honoring me with sandaka’us on that day. Do I fast, and do I need to be matir neder in the event that it is permitted to eat?"

    Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff
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    Revivim

    Halakha on Abortion of Fetuses with Severe Abormalities

    A fetus is considered a living entity in regards to certain laws, but there is no penalty of death for taking its life. What do the rabbinical decisors say?

    Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
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    The Haggadah

    Shir Hashirim

    Deeper meaning of Shir Hashirim, The Song Of Songs.

    Various Rabbis | 5770
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    The Giving of the Torah

    The Day of the Rains and the Giving of the Torah

    According to our Sages, The Day of the Rain is as great as, or even greater than the day of the Giving of the Torah. The basis for this comparison is discussed in depth, as well as additional aspects of the connection between the rains and the Torah.

    Rabbi Uzi Kalchaim zt"l | 5770
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    The Torah Perspective

    Secular Zionism in the Eyes of Rav Kook.

    How can we understand the rebellion against religion over the past century? What does the world gain spiritually from this rebellion which was foreseen in the mishna 1,800 years ago as part of the period preceding the mashiach? Only after we understand the rebellion can we glean the benefit and relate to our brothers properly.

    Rabbi Ari Shvat | 5769
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    Redemption - Geula

    When Moshiach Comes

    A summary of the different Brachot we will bless when the Moshiach will walk through the door.

    Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Iyar 5768
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    Marriage and Relationships

    The Role of Parents in Marriage

    Today, parents can fulfill the commandment of marrying off their children by providing them with a good education at prestigious schools, supporting them so that they be able to learn a profession, and clothing them in attractive attire.

    Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | 5764
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