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Beit Midrash
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- 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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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.
