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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
One might suggest that here, where Hashem was revealing Himself, "seeing Hashem" was improper and potentially lethal (see ibid. 33:20). However, Rabbeinu Bachyei infers from the p’sukim that Bnei Yisrael were warned only not to try to see Hashem. As far as actually seeing Him, they couldn’t even if they tried.
Looking into the matter, we may notice something interesting regarding Moshe Rabbeinu, the only one to go all the way up the holy mountain. In his first encounter with Hashem, at the s’neh (burning bush), Moshe was told not to approach the s’neh because it was too holy. How is it that at the more powerful revelation Moshe was allowed to get as close as can be and previously not?
Perhaps the answer is contained in a well-known pasuk in Tehillim (111:10): "Reishit chuchma yirat Hashem (The beginning of wisdom is the fear of G-d)." It is not only that fear of Hashem is a basic to wisdom. The pasuk also infers that the proper order of attaining wisdom is to start by ensuring proper fear of Hashem. Once accomplished, one can draw closer in search of greater familiarity with and inspiration from Him. However, trying to "see Hashem" without prefacing it with a deep realization that the Divine is not fully approachable is dangerous.
At the s’neh, Moshe learned the lesson that he was incapable of fully grasping Hashem. He reacted by hiding his face. After showing he had the proper fear, he was later commanded to approach the Divine as much as a human can. Aharon, who was a prophet, could get closer than others. Some say that the kohanim also got closer than others in the nation (Rashi to 19:24), for they had experienced approaching Hashem and knew the regulations of not violating the boundaries. Others had to keep a greater distance.
Let’s put it another way. It is not that people should not go forward even though they cannot see. Rather, they should not go forward because they cannot see. Those who see better are more likely to know that they cannot see everything. Those who see less may think they have reached the pinnacle of understanding; that is very dangerous. Yirat Hashem helps set one straight on his self-appraisal.
In our times, some people are willing to experience an intense, spiritual experience or delve into the mystical before accepting the concept of fear of Hashem. As our forefathers learned, a healthy dose of humility and fear should precede an intimate "look" at the Divine. In truth, even at a healthy distance, exposure to the Divine is awe-inspiring and memorable.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.