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Beit Midrash
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- Sefirat Haomer
- The Meaning Sefirat Ha'omer
The Rabbis’ explain why these Talmidei Chachamim perished: "They did not afford sufficient respect to one another." But this is very hard to fathom, considering that Rabbi Akiva’s prime forte was promoting the love of each Jew for another. As we sang as kids in Bnei Akiva: "Amar Rabi Akiva: V’Ahavta L’Ray’acha Kamocha – Zeh Klal Gadol Ba’Torah. - Love your fellow Jew as you love yourself; this is a basic principle of the Torah." So what happened?
Rabbi Akiva was arguably the greatest Jewish leader since Moshe. Baal Teshuva, patriot, scholar par excellence – the Gemara relates that Moshe himself was transported to Akiba’s Bet Midrash to learn from him! – Akiba was a role model for the ages. He was the leader of his generation; the acknowledged master of Torah as well as the guiding force behind the military effort to overcome Roman domination of Israel. But his life, so noble & holy, would have the most tragic consequences. His students would die; he himself would be tortured by the Romans & executed at age 120.
I think Rabbi Akiva was bemoaning the fact that the various elements in the Jewish society of his generation did not respect each other enough, & that is what caused the calamity. And I fear his words ring truer now more than ever – we all suffer from a similar lack of Kavod.
One camp in Israel does not respect the very religious, who spend their days learning & are immersed in Mitzva-observance. But where would we all be if there hadn’t been those devoted Jews who kept alive the spirit of Judaism through the millennia, who held our faith together in the most difficult of circumstances through their unswerving devotion to G-d, who prayed fervently to return to Zion, even when that was a far-off dream?
At the same time, another camp disrespects those who identify with Israel, who helped build it & bravely defend it, even at the cost of their lives. They will not even stand in honor of the fallen, or say a prayer for our soldiers’ safety! But where would we be – all of us – if not for the pioneers who braved every hardship to found the State, if not for the young men and women who form a holy barrier between us & our cruel enemies?
You want to climb the mountain to G-d, to stand as we once did, at Har Sinai, "As one person, with one heart?" Then remember: Sefira – every one counts, everyone deserves Respect.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Rabbis in Midrash
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.