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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: When the light of limitless light, which is the source of the life of individuals, is revealed, the limited life of individuals implodes and is made small like a candle in the face of a torch. Hashem’s speech at Sinai caused the flow of limitless light, which caused the souls of Israel to leave them, as the souls were swept away by the flow.
However, when there is no limited individual life, the live element of the divine speech cannot be projected onto people. So the gemara asks how there could have been a second commandment after the departure of the soul. The remedy could only come from the full light of life, which contradicts death – this is the dew that descends from Hashem. It makes lowlier people become capable of reaching great spiritual heights. When the lower-level life, with all its dreariness, ceased, Hashem gave Israel the ability to live on a higher level. This occurred even though Israel had not yet reached that level themselves. It was made possible with the help of the divine dew, even though it is on a lower level of spirituality than will exist in the future. This help to Hashem’s portion, Bnei Yisrael, who had become worn out, was arranged directly by Hashem.
[Besides the exit of their souls, the people were also forced into a retreat of twelve mil.] When there is powerful, heavenly light, which is much higher than those who are supposed to receive it, it must fill the recipient with a certain darkness, which draws them away from the close connection to the light. When the recipient retreats to a "shadier" place, the lessening of the intimidating shining of light prepares them to jump back quickly, not in a measured manner. The return is also not based on an internal revelation of spiritual strength, but by the addition of a new source of power and life.
There becomes a merging together of two lights – the lightening-like brilliant light and the "darker" light, which a normal individual is able to appreciate. It is actually the lower light, which comes from a place of humility and relative lowliness, that will be the source of spiritual advantage. It will be the anger that turns into laughter and the tears that turn into rejoicing with eternal grandeur.
Indeed, from the light that accompanied Hashem’s speech, the people retreated twelve mil, [which was the size of their encampment,] representing their full stature. They became full of the lower light that enables them to receive the higher light. It was the angels who returned them, as they represent the higher form of spirituality in the world. They needed to take the spirituality they had from serving Hashem and impart some to Israel.
The return to the place of more intense sanctity did not progress in an orderly manner, but came in jumps of surprise. They did not have to create something new, but shine on Israel special powers that were hidden but were prepared to emerge. The group of angels who carried this out were like a torch of life-giving light. Because we sat in darkness, Hashem was a light for us.
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.
