YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ekev
Let us try to figure out how we are able to strengthen the phenomenon of Hashem’s consolation for us? The p’sukim we have mentioned tell how, at the time of the final redemption, Eretz Yisrael will be re-inhabited by her sons – Am Yisrael. Ibn Ezra explains that Zion is consoled "when the multitude of her sons are upon her." In addition to agricultural bounty, the nation will be happy with the Land and will thank Hashem for returning to it.
There is great spiritual flourishing and significantly increased opportunities to learn Torah in Israel in our days. This can definitely be included in what Hashem promises, "when Hashem returns to Zion." We pray and yearn for the return of the Divine Presence in its fullest sense, but how can we help realize this?
On the pasuk (above) "for Hashem will console His nation, and on His poor He will have mercy," the midrash (Shemot Rabba 31:13) speaks at length about the connection between consolation and concern for the poor. The midrash attacks the practice of taking interest on loans to the poor and points out that Hashem is different from people, in that He is proud of His association with the poor, while many rich people are embarrassed by it. This is parallel to Hashem’s loving our nation despite and because we are a small nation. The midrash says that when Hashem will want to console Zion, He will start with the poor, based on our pasuk. It warns that a potential creditor should not see a poor person and lend him money so that he can seize his house and fields as payment for the interest accrued. That is part of the rationale for the Torah’s view of a usurer as being like one who violated the whole Torah and is due to collapse (see Yechezkel 18:13).
The conclusion from the midrash is clear: we believe that we will see Hashem’s return to Zion when we keep all of the mitzvot and we especially take the plight of the poor to heart and mind. It is important for us to not take interest, including with the use of heter iska. We need to encourage giving loans for free in the fullest sense and enable those who want to break out of poverty the opportunity to do it by, for example, starting a business that requires an infusion of money. That will help return the Divine Presence.
Our generation has seen Eretz Yisrael blossom, as we have seen the ingathering of exiles and the economy boom. During those times, it was crucial for the rich to feel the connection to the poor. At a time with severe financial challenges, it is all the more important to be concerned about the plight of the many people in need. May this encourage Hashem to console us in the most beautiful way!
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.