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Beit Midrash
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One of the recurring problems faced by the Avot and Imahot is the raising of children, one of the toughest tests Hashem sets before us. Avraham and Sara struggle regarding what to do about Yishmael, born to Hagar, who served as a surrogate for Sara. Sara feels Yishmael is a bad influence on Yitzchak, and wants him banished from the household, along with Hagar. Avraham feels differently - the Torah pointedly says this decision "was bad in Avraham's eyes" - yet Hashem says that Sara's request must be granted. In the course of history, this event will contribute to the animosity between Bnei Yisrael and Egypt - Hagar, after all, was an Egyptian princess - and is even cited as one cause of our slavery in Mitzrayim.
In our sedra, there is a clear difference of opinion between Yitzchak and Rivka regarding their twins. The pasuk spells it out: "And Yitzchak loved Esav.....while Rivka loved Yakov." The resulting incident of the B'chora will lead to total estrangement in the family, as Yakov flees his home and Rivka, understandably, cannot have a relationship with Esav. This, too, has cosmic repercussions, as Esav/Edom becomes an eternal nemesis of the Jewish People.
And then there is Yakov and his children. Yakov miscalculates by favoring Yosef; the Gemara (Shabbat 10b) quotes Rav who says "A parent should never single out one son among many, for on account of 2 sela's worth of silk (the Coat of Many Colors) Yosef's brothers became jealous, which resulted in our descent to Egypt." The schism between brothers is a tragedy that plagues us throughout history, to this very day; a kind of malevolent spiritual herpes - the curse that keeps on giving.
Is it any wonder that the Kohen Gadol, when entering the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur to secure atonement for the nation, was first required to reconcile with himself, and his own family? Change the world? That's a tough assignment. But change ourselves, and keep our family together in love? That challenge may be even tougher.
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
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.