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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tavo
How full a basket was the farmer required to bring? While it could be an abundant amount, the Halacha is that even one grape was sufficient! But this begs the question: Does one grape show gratitude and thanks?!
One of the answers to this question is that, in truth, no amount of fruit would be sufficient to show appropriate thanks to Hashem. But even more important, G-d does what He does for us not because He expects anything in return, but because He loves us intrinsically. He does not expect any "reward" other than our faith in Him and our commitment to follow His guidelines for a meaningful life - all of which is to our own benefit. And so the one grape serves to graphically demonstrate that Hashem is much more desirous to be the giver - not the taker.
As we approach the Days of Atonement, this is a profound message. Hashem is waiting, longing, pleading for us to make our move; to show even the slightest inclination to further our relationship with Him. To take that first step, no matter how small, on the road to Teshuva. The response will be enormous, far out of proportion to what we are offering. We crack the opening just a tiny drop; Hashem throws the doors wide open.
Knowing that a ready and willing G-d is on the other side of that door, anxious for a reunion, should inspire us to take the initiative. Most of all, we must never despair or give in to our lesser instincts. That would be - yes, you guessed it - just sour grapes.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
