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Beit Midrash
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This is not the first time we have seen this type of event - all of our Matriarchs were barren (which means they weren't able to have children).
The question is: Why did our forefathers have to pray for them to give birth? Our forefathers did so many good deeds through which they deserved a continuation of the lineage! why didn't their good deeds (זכויות) stand them in good stead?
And the answer that HAZAL give us, is that's God deeply desires (מתאווה) the prayers of the righteous. There is nothing he wants in this world more than their prayer.
This is something we must explain. Could it be that bad things happen to them just because Hashem wants their prayer?
The answer is that in fact, God can do everything - God does not really need any prayer. But when leaders recognize a specific need, they then connect to their inner will, what they deeply desire, and do everything in their ability to make it happen by praying.
We too have this ability. We were created in the image of God . (צלם אלוקים) just as Hashem has built this whole world by his own will – we too have the ability to change things in this world, by connecting to our inner will and praying.
As we all know God can do everything alone and he does not really need our help, but the reason he brought us all into this world is for us to change and perfect it from within. Changes from within are more powerful than changes from above.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
