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Beit Midrash
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We all know the tradition that because we did not change our names or clothes, & did not inform on one another, we were "recognizable" as G-d’s chosen, & worthy. But Chazal tell us that we also were redeemed by virtue of our bloods ("B'damayich (plural) chayi - in your bloods shall you live)"; i.e. by fulfilling TWO key Mitzvot that involved blood: brit milah (circumcision); & korban Pesach, the offering of the lamb just prior to the Exodus. These were the "keys" to our exiting the prison called Mitzrayim.
But what message is being specifically sent to us through davka these 2 specific commandments, as opposed to all others?
Brit Milah is focused on the individual. It is about us. We dedicate ourselves to Hashem – in spirit and in body, to carry out G-d’s will throughout our lives. To give, even, our very blood in the name of Hashem, if so called upon.
It also reminds us, in a real sense, that our first responsibility is to ourselves. Before we can change the world, we have to change ourselves. We have to perfect ourselves. We have to devote ourselves to ourselves & prepare for our entrance into general society, where we can then hope to influence others.
I still remember my Rebbe, Rav Herzl Kaplan zt"l, telling me the story about the nebuch salesman who goes door-to-door, but when he opens his suit-case of wares to show his customers, he finds that it is empty! "Pack your bags!" he told me, urging me to spend as much time learning as I could before I entered the "real" world. Solid advice, that I will be grateful for all of my days.
But that’s just one half of the story. The other Mitzva, Korban Pesach, carries a very different message. It speaks about communal responsibility, about sharing with & caring for others, just as we had to eat the lamb in a group, having called out first to the public at large, "Whoever is hungry, come & join us!" If one does not use his hard-earned talents and blessings, whatever they may be, for the good of the Klal, then he has squandered what G-d has given him.
The korban Pesach also emphasizes the necessity to pass down our heritage, traditions & commitment to the next generation, gathering our family, chacham & rasha together, "telling the story" of the Jewish experience to one & all, so that they will continue this sacred mission when we are gone.
It was on that basis that the Almighty redeemed us. He had faith that we would live up to the great trust which he placed in us. And indeed we have, for 3332 years, & counting. In truth, we have no choice; it’s in our bloods
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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.
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.
