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Beit Midrash
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The Tanchuma (Chukat 25) raises three possibilities as to the reason Moshe was afraid of Og: 1. Moshe was concerned that they might have acted improperly in the previous battle, against Sichon, whether in being too harsh, or perhaps in involvement in some other type of sin in the process. 2. Og was the most fearsome of the giants who lived, a remnant of the great warriors who survived from the era of the War of the Four and Five Kings (see Devarim 3:11 and Bereishit 14). 3. Moshe reasoned that if Moshe was "only" 120 and Og lived to be more than 500 years old, he must have some great virtue that protected him.
According to the first opinion, the concern was about the degree of merit of Bnei Yisrael. According to the second, it was the physical prowess of Og. According to the third, the matter was the merit of Og, as expressed through his longevity. Rashi took the third approach and identified Og’s merit as having helped Avraham by telling him that Lot had been captured by the four kings. The lesson from this is that one can never know how great the merit of a single action can be, and how it could have impact even after many years. The Ramban took the first approach, which teaches us that one can never fully rely on oneself and should continue to daven for Divine Assistance. The Rosh accepts the second approach, which teaches us that even one who is used to having miracles done for him should consider the natural prospects even if he is one who has bitachon (reliance on Hashem). This is part of one’s need to put in efforts to succeed, and it is even more clear regarding one who is not used to having miracles done for him.
We would like to add the following idea, which we will continue to develop next week. Anakim (giants) are mentioned several times throughout Tanach. We find seven names to describe this unique group of people: eimim, refa’im, gibborim, zamzumim, anakim, avim, and nefilim (Bereishit Rabba 26:7). This is a sign that they had great significance at that time. We also find that an important demarcation in Yerushalayim in ancient days, Emek Refa’im, was named for them. This valley, mentioned several times in Tanach, was, at one point in its span, a border between the tribes of Yehuda and Binyamin (Yehoshua 15:8). It is also connected to Nachal Sorek, which means that it connected the Land of the Plishtim to Yerushalayim. Therefore, the wars against the anakim held a central part in the process of acquiring Eretz Yisrael for Am Yisrael, as we will develop next week.
Let us pray that we too will overcome our enemies. Let us think about those of us (including graduates of ours) who live in the area around Aza, which overlaps with the ancient Land of Plishtim. May they have days of quiet and tranquility, so that they can serve Hashem with happiness and a pure heart.
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
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.