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And his name "Yitzchak (laughter);" what’s that all about? This is such a funny guy? I don’t think so!
But, of course, I was naive. I misjudged Yitzchak. I didn’t quite get it. But now I think I do. It starts with a pasuk in our Sedra, the very first time we encounter Yitzchak since the traumatic Akeida. The pasuk says: "And Yitzchak went out in the field la’suach." Rashi translates this word "la'suach" as "praying;" that is, Yitzchak was davening (by tradition, the afternoon/Mincha prayer). But if it means "praying," then why not use the obvious word, "l’hitpalel?"
No, the word clearly comes from the word "siyach," conversation. Yitz wasn’t just praying to G-d; he was also talking to Him! The Medrash asks why all the Matriarchs (including Leah) were initially barren & struggled mightily to have children. The Medrash replies: "Hashem desires tefila v’sicha, the prayer & the talk of the righteous."
Prayer is our lifeline to G-d, a "local call," a unique opportunity to praise, thank, acknowledge, beseech Him. But prayer, my friends, is not enough. G-d also wants us to talk to Him, to express our inner feelings & share our concerns, our thoughts on life, on love, on the world, on G-d. He cares about what we have to say! And though we Jews may be fine daveners, scrupulous in every syllable, we don’t often just pull up a chair & talk to G-d, who, after all, is a Great Listener who won’t ever interrupt us!
Yitzchak has a lot to talk to G-d about. His mother is dead. His father took him to be sacrificed, & he came this close to death (Elie Wiesel called Yitzchak "the first survivor"). He will have trouble communicating with his wife, & massive problems with his kids (sound familiar?). If Yitz spends an inordinate amount of time praying, communing, questioning & discussing with Hashem, can you blame him? The two of them have a lot to work out.
And so do we. There is a time to pray to G-d, & a time to close our Siddur & talk to Him. And I’m not sure which is more holy & more valuable, & which activity He desires most. So - let’s do both! Talk – at least with G-d – is most definitely not cheap; it’s a priceless privilege.
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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.
