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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
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The Yerushalmi (Shabbat 1:3) explains the p’sukim in a positive way, saying that it allows the yoledet to reach new heights of sanctity. On the famous baraita, on levels of spiritual elevation, which is the basis of the sefer Mesillat Yesharim, the Yerushalmi says that our p’sukim are an affirmation that "cleanliness brings to purity." Ba’alei HaTosafot (on Vayikra 12:5) explain that v’chiper is a reference to cleanliness because the word has a double meaning of atonement and cleaning. In that case, the pasuk is not talking about atonement, which makes sense if we assume, as is reasonable, that the yoledet’s korban is not due to any sin.
However, since the word does usually refer to atonement, which implies sin, Rabbeinu Bachyei is troubled about what the yoledet did that requires such a korban. One could have argued that a korban is necessary due to the danger from which she was extricated, but then she should have to bring a korban todah (of thanksgiving). He suggests that it is not for the specific yoledet’s sin but for the sin of the mother of all humans, Chava, who, with her husband, Adam, ate from the Tree of Knowledge. However, this explanation is not even hinted at by the pasuk.
We will continue in the positive direction, by citing the words (from Shir Ma’on) of Rabbi Shimon Sofer (grandson of the Chatam Sofer, who was rabbi of Eiger-Erlau, was killed in Auschwitz at the age of 94, and whose followers created a community near which Eretz Hemdah is situated). He invoked the gemara (Sukka 29b) that the most powerful of the forces that cause one to lose his money is haughtiness. From the negative, we can extrapolate the positive – someone who acts with humility deserves to be blessed monetarily, as Hashem is more apt to reward for the positive than He is liable to punish over the negative. Rav Sofer says that based on tropp (cantillation), the pasuk "v’im lo timtza yada" hints at the following reading – "if you make yourself nothing, your hand will succeed [to acquire riches]." [Ed. note – one who understands the rules of dikduk will have difficulty accepting this reading on the level of p’shat, but that is beyond our present scope.]
If we put the various explanations together, we will arrive at the following: A yoledet brings another Jewish child into the world, and thereby is elevated and sanctified spiritually. If she will also cling to the attribute of humility, she will also be blessed materially. Let us wish that all Jewish women will have the great blessing of having children and will be elevated both spiritually and materially with the help of humility.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.