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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 9:33)
Gemara: [One of the bold steps that Moshe decided to take without explicit divine instruction was:] Moshe shattered the Tablets.
Ein Ayah: From the perspective of the Divine Wisdom, there is no need for there to be any type of undoing and destruction in the world. When there is something that is totally good, which has the ability to spread out without end, "no bad can occur to it." However, the Divine Wisdom lowers itself until it reaches a point that makes it ready to complement human wisdom. In that way, it can properly impact on limited worlds and creations that have desires and have limited power in comparison to the unending desire of divine goodness, which is both unlimited and unparalleled.
This meeting of the minds found that which Moshe decided, in a way that corresponded to what Hashem wanted. Moshe thought that there was significance in breaking in order to repair. The greater the qualitative significance of the breaking, the greater the much more improved state that follows will be repaired. This can be illustrated with the idea of how investment into a commercial product can be worthwhile because of the possibility of great profit.
It was specifically Moshe’s idea, which Hashem agreed to, to break the Tablets. When these awesome stones were broken, they could be reattached one to another in a manner that provided complete, eternal salvation.
Uncovering the Unspoken Divine Intention
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 9:34)
Gemara: Moshe added on an extra day of separation from wives – how did he arrive at this conclusion [from Hashem’s instructions that are recorded in the Torah]?
Ein Ayah: [Several commentators deal with the following apparent contradiction: If Moshe decided on the matter himself, then we should not expect for it to be included in the Torah/Hashem’s instructions. If he saw it in Hashem’s words, then it is not Moshe’s own idea. Rav Kook’s comments below are focused on this tension as well.]
Obviously, when sacred and mundane, in their lofty sense, reach the high level of each influencing the other, so that the upper and the lower wisdom becoming unified, then the human, lower wisdom rises up to the recognition that the basis of its existence is the upper wisdom, the wisdom of his Creator. The addition that Moshe’s human wisdom decided to add finds its source imbedded deep in the upper wisdom of the Torah, after the idea was revealed.
Thus, while he added a day of his own volition, to fulfill the idyllic situation that the soul of the one who thought up the idea and the "soul" of the divine influence will be unified in their fullest sense, we need a source for the content of the addition in Hashem’s wisdom, which finds expression in the Torah. That is the reason that we ask where Moshe derived the addition.
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.
