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Beit Midrash
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A famous interpretation of this pasuk deals with the fact that elsewhere it is called a "day of teruah." The gemara (Rosh Hashana 29b) says that when Rosh Hashana falls during the week, it is a day of blowing the shofar, and when it falls on Shabbat, it is a day of only remembering the blowing. This is difficult on the level of p’shat (simple/literal reading of the pasuk) because the fact that we do not blow shofar on Shabbat is a Rabbinic institution, lest someone carry the shofar in a public domain while preparing to fulfill the mitzva. If it is Rabbinic, then the pasuk cannot be talking about it!
Therefore, Rashi takes another approach. Zichron refers to the p’sukim of Zichronot, which mention the word zikaron in the context of Hashem’s relationship with mankind, and the p’sukim of Shofarot, dealing with the shofar and Hashem. This includes remembering akeidet Yitzchak, in which Avraham offered a ram as a sacrifice in place of Yitzchak. The Ramban has two objections to Rashi’s approach. 1. Why doesn’t Rashi mention the p’sukim of Malchuyot (about Hashem’s kingdom) as remembrances? Also, reciting the p’sukim of Zichronot and Shofarot is also only Rabbinic, which again makes it inappropriate for the p’shat of "zichron teruah."
The Rashbam has a cryptic explanation along the lines of p’shat: "By means of the teruah (blowing), you will be remembered before Hashem," as the pasuk says in regard to the blowing of the trumpet (see Bamidbar 10:10). This raises another question: Does Hashem need to be reminded?
The Ramban suggests that the idea behind teruah on Rosh Hashana is connected to the fact that we are a nation who "knows [how to use] teruah" (see Tehillim 89:16). At the time of divine judgment and before Yom Kippur we need a teruah of war (see Yirmiyahu 4:19), as Hashem is a "man of war" (see Shemot 15:3). The Ramban adds that we have a zichron by means of the teruah.
We will now explain a hidden meaning of the Ramban and Rashbam. Rosh Hashana is called a day of zikaron, which means a day of judgment, as the root zachor in "hifil" (mazkir) means judgment. Zachar, meaning masculine, is from the same root, and it is often representative of the attribute of din (strict law). For this reason, brit mila is done specifically for men (the parallel action for women, which some cultures practice, is a cruel act), and it obligates fathers. Brit mila is very connected to the attribute of din, which is why Torah section on the mitzva (Bereishit 17:3-14) uses only the Name, Elokim.
In contrast, women, who have a rechem (uterus), which men do not, are connected to the attribute of rachamim (mercy). Teruah, a word in the feminine form, arouses Hashem’s attribute of mercy, and this feminine attribute is behind our liberations ("V’hi she’amada la’avoteinu…"). This is also behind Chazal’s statement that Bnei Yisrael were liberated from Egypt in the merit of righteous women.
Zichron teruah comes to find balance between these two attributes, to teach us that the depth behind Hashem’s judgment is in its connection to rachamim.
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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.
