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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: [We saw last time that the idea behind the Torah being coerced is that Bnei Yisrael were of a nature that made it absolutely necessary for the world that they accept it.] Had the Torah been given to Bnei Yisrael through their free will, then its illuminating content would not have been as connected to the essence of the nation and the depths of the souls of its individuals. Then it would have been possible for their transgressing the Torah by their choice to have erased the impact of sanctity that the Torah was supposed to have made in them. However, since Bnei Yisrael are linked to the Torah based on the necessity that it is not possible any other way, transgressions cannot alter that except on the external level. These matters are beyond any specific display of desire and apply even when actions seem to point in a different direction.
This is what the gemara means by a moda’ah – all the improper actions do not cause a ruining of the foundation of Bnei Yisrael’s level by means of bad choices. This is the highest level of moda’ah. It is not a moda’ah based on a weakening of the acceptance of the Torah (as Rashi explains), but rather a divine revelation that nothing can alter the overall relationship between Hashem and Israel, which is beyond choice.
The natural foundation that beats in the heart of Israel does not allow the element of free choice to find expression to its fullest extent. Since our forefathers stood by Mount Sinai, the natural light of a life of sanctity gained strength and became revealed, which caused the element of free choice to take a step back into darkness. Then, the only way to give the fullest expression to the free choice arose when there was a great storm of intoxication caused by the evil inclination toward idol worship. Then the nation was capable of having free will which could have allowed them to either accept or not accept the Torah. It required a high intensity of venom and power of the inclination toward idol worship to make there be such a possibility of choice.
The deterioration on a national level caused a great weakening of the light of natural sanctity. At the time of Achashveirosh, when there had already been the phenomenon of bowing down to the form of an idol and the enjoyment of taking part in the feast of the wicked Achashveirosh, all of those foreign elements penetrated into the Nation of Israel and darkened the light of natural sanctity. The light was hidden inside the soul. This was specifically arranged by Hashem so that they would be able to use the ability to make a free choice [on a broad national level]. This, in turn, brought about repentance, as there was choice to go in one direction or another, which was caused by Haman’s decree. This is when there was an actualization that confirmed that on the level of free choice, there was also a will to accept the mitzvot. It was no longer based only on the natural level, which had been the basis previously.
Rabbis in Midrash
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
