YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayishlach
But don’t think that this is a new syndrome; it’s actually been with us since, well, since we became a nation! And it’s epitomized by Yakov, the true father of our people.
Following his epic wrestling match in our sedra (famously known in sports lore as the "Tangle with the Angel") a new name is bestowed upon Yakov:
"No longer shall your name be Yakov; but rather Yisrael, for you have striven with G-d & Man, & prevailed."
Fair enough. But then, immediately after this blessing, the Torah calls Yisrael: Yakov! And he continues to be called Yakov countless more times in Tanach. And we refer to him 3 times a day (or more) in the Amida as "Yakov." In fact, while we all are known collectively as "Bnei Yisrael," the name "Yakov" does not disappear – as did the name "Avram" – so that we possess not one, but two names!
What’s going on here? Are we Yakov, Yisrael, or both?!
We know that a person’s inner essence, his soul, is indicated – if not determined – by his name; that is why the word "shem," name, forms the inside of the word "neshama." Yakov’s name literally means, "heel;" as he hung on to brother Esav’s heel at birth. But "heel" has a less than complimentary connotation. Because it is a hidden part of the body, it connects to secrecy, or subterfuge. In more common usage, it refers to one who acts in underhanded or odious fashion; a "heel" is a rather unsavory character.
Now Yakov is meant to be a man of Truth; he is the patriarch who most represents Torah, which is called Torat Emet. He even tells his mother, "Anochi ish chalak," I am straight, honest. And yet, he is continually involved in one shady deal after another: the Birthright, the switching of his wives, the abduction of Dina & massacre of Shechem, the kidnapping of Yosef.
The angel blesses him and tells him he is Yisrael," a name that contains within it the word, "Yashar," straight, forthright, decent. But Yakov will struggle all his life to come to grips with having to choose between doing that which is completely above board, & that which he deems necessary in order to survive the many challenging trials that come his way. He will aspire to be "Yisrael," but yet retain his persona of "Yakov."
To this day, we wage the very same battle that Yakov/Yisrael waged. The world has made "Jew" a pejorative term, not a compliment. We are accused of taking others’ land, of being clever, devious connivers. But we know that we have a higher pedigree; we are the prime representatives of G-d, who is ultimate Truth; we embody the noblest traits, the highest standards of morality & goodness. It is we who were chosen to reveal the light of Hashem, to set the standard for holy behavior.
Both as a People and as a nation, we are "Israel" – or at least we can, & always should be.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
