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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Shlach Lecha
This week we commemorate the 26th yahrtzeit of our mentor, Rav Shaul Yisraeli z.t.l., Eretz Hemdah’s founding president. He was a trailblazer in the field of how a Jewish state functions halachically, including writing and editing many articles and publications. One of the main questions that occupied talmidei chachamim was: What is the place of a Jewish and democratic State of Israel, which was established by a general public that primarily did not consist of those who observe all mitzvot? How does one view a government, with executive and legislative branches, most of whose members are not dedicated to keeping the Shulchan Aruch, and a legislative branch that is sometimes is hostile to it?
Here too there are three approaches: 1. People of belief in the divine promise to return Am Yisrael to Eretz Yisrael and reestablish a Jewish state, as a symbol of a refined state in which Yeshayahu’s visions can be realized. It would be a state to which gentile pilgrims would come to study in its capital, Jerusalem, and a state that bases itself on charity and justice. 2. Those who do not believe in the Written and/or Oral Law, or do not believe the state can be a vessel for the fulfillment of the Prophets’ prophecies. 3. Those who lost their patience and are willing to hasten the redemption even in manners that are against the Torah.
Rav Yisraeli was one of the first group’s leading teachers and guides, with an ability to navigate complex matters. We will take a quick look at one of the dilemmas he dealt with – an apparent contradiction between a national or spiritual obligation and the rights of the individual.
Rav S.Y. Zevin wrote an article about the "trial of Shylock." He opines that a person has no ownership over his body. Both body and soul belong to Hashem. Rav Yisraeli disagreed and said that man has ownership over his own body, just that Halacha limits the scope of the ownership and forbids one to commit suicide, put his life in danger, or damage his body.
A related practical issue is organ sale by a poor person to improve his financial situation. Rav Yisraeli posited that fundamentally it is permitted, but that the state is required to legislate a prohibition on such "organ commerce" to prevent the rich from taking advantage of the poor. Rav Yisraeli viewed organ donation as a great voluntary mitzva if done altruistically, with the donor a hero from a Torah perspective. In the merit of Rav Yisraeli’s ruling and the incredible life work of Rav Yeshaya Heber z.t.l., the State of Israel has become a beacon of light for the world, of healing people with true mercy. This is an uplifting application of the idea of "Torah and State," following the footsteps of Yehoshua and Kalev and other believers in a noble Jewish state. May we be successful in continuing to spread the teachings of Rav Yisraeli robustly and pleasantly.
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.