YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Shmot
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Revital Bat Lea
Moshe’s "career" as Bnei Yisrael’s leader began when Hashem instructed him at the burning bush to go to Egypt to tell Paroh to set them free. This episode is introduced with the simple description of Moshe as a shepherd leading his flock in the desert (Shemot 3:1). However, Chazal saw this role as the precursor to his leadership role. The analogy between leading a flock of sheep and leading a flock of humans is well-known. However, we find the analogy in relation to Moshe’s other major role, as the one who received Torah from Hashem and taught it to the nation.
Following is a metaphoric verse from Kohelet (12:11), as translated in the Art Scroll edition: "The words of the wise are like goads, and the nails well driven are the sayings of the masters of collections, coming from one Shepherd." Chazal understand this pasuk in relation to Torah and its study. The end of the pasuk responds to the issue of dealing with disputes among rabbis when one would hope for unanimity. The pasuk assures us that, in the final analysis, all of the opinions stem from the giving of the Torah by one shepherd. "All are ‘coming from one shepherd’- one G-d gave them, one leader said them in the name of the Master of all creations" (Chagiga 3b). Some commentators understand that the shepherd is Hashem, our ultimate leader, who gave the Torah. However, the Midrash Tanchuma (Beha’alotcha 16) relates it to Moshe, bringing the pasuk from our parasha as evidence that Moshe is a known shepherd.
What made Kohelet feel that Moshe’s one-time occupation as a shepherd epitomized his appropriateness to receive the Torah on Bnei Yisrael’s behalf? The Kli Yakar on our pasuk explained that Moshe would take his flock to quiet places where he philosophized and contemplated the Creator. This is an experience that is conducive for emerging prophets. As we recall, the Rambam considers the supreme level of Moshe’s prophecy, which made him appropriate to receive the Torah, as a basic tenet of faith.
However, there are likely other connections between the shepherd and the lawgiver. A shepherd does not produce anything, as a craftsman or a farmer does. Rather, he protects and sustains the flock by enabling them to graze themselves. So too, Moshe the teacher was not supposed to create new ideas but to relay that which Hashem had taught in the purest possible form. That is not a small task. A teacher needs to not only know how to teach the material but he is also responsible to ensure that the recipients in check. He is like a shepherd, who can easily become unfit to testify (see Bava Metzia 5b). If a shepherd allows his sheep to graze in unauthorized fields, he is considered a thief because of their actions.
The Maharsha (on Chagiga 3b) explains that the Kohelet’s shepherd is referring both to Moshe and to Hashem. This indicates that he who learns Hashem’s Torah and teaches it to others is a partner with Hashem in leading and sustaining his and His flock.
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.