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Beit Midrash
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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
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.
