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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Lech Lecha
According to Chassidic tradition, this instruction from heaven was not localized, to be heard only by the ears of Abraham. Many people also heard this directive, but they did not feel that it had any relevance to them, and they never acted upon it. It was the holy nature of our father Abraham that compelled him to realize that the message was truly meant for him, and he then undertook the journey with his wife, Sarah, that would make them the parents of the Jewish people for all eternity.
There is also another and perhaps deeper meaning into those two words of
"lech lecha." This is not only an immediate instruction regarding a specific journey and trip, but it is also a general outline and pattern for the remainder of the life of Abraham and Sarah, that guides them long after this initial sojourn has been taken and its purpose accomplished.
Heaven, so to speak, is telling Abraham that the purpose in life is always to keep on going, never to rest on one's past accomplishments, but to always see that there is more to be done. The work of human beings in this life is never fully achieved. We are never allowed to quit, so to speak, in midstream. As long as the breath of life exists within us, we should continue to be devoted to furthering Torah accomplishments.
That is undoubtedly what the Mishnah in Avot wishes to communicate to us by saying that Abraham was tested ten times, and he able to with-stand all these trials. The Hebrew expression "to stand" not only refers to a physical description on two legs, but also implies that Abraham was elevated and made greater by each of the challenges and tests that he was able to overcome.
I have pointed out in previous articles that the rabbis saw that this was the main difference between Abraham and Noah. There are many people in the world who accomplish noble and even holy tasks. But there are very few who do so on a consistent basis throughout their entire lives, no matter what circumstances they face. It is one of the reasons why we never find in the Talmud or Jewish tradition the concept of retirement as being a time of leisure, a time of not having to face new tasks or challenges.
There is no end to the accomplishments and challenges of life when there is life itself within our bodies. The challenges of age are far different from those of youth, in that there is no excuse for attempting to shirk them and avoid their rigors. Thus, we are always meant to keep on going to the extent that we are able to do so. That has always been the message of Abraham to us, for all our generations.
Shabbat shalom
Rabbi Berel Wein
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.