YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- D'varim
I suggest that the Torah - & Moshe Rabbeinu – are once again emphasizing the point that there are always second chances in life, always opportunities to start over again. A new Sefer, a new chapter, a new and renewed commitment to Jewish ideals.
When we fast, we manifest this idea physiologically. We "clean out" our system by letting our body "go fallow" for the day, with no food or drink allowed in. When the Fast ends, we "start over," our bodies now having been purged & purified.
The fasts of Tisha B’Av & Yom Kippur are strategically linked to one another: They are held relatively close to each other – with only the month of Elul dividing them - & they are the only 25-hour fasts in our calendar. They also share the same goal & purpose; but they arrive at their destination in two very different kinds of vehicles.
Tisha B’Av represents approaching Hashem via Yirah; fear, awe & trepidation. As we confront and contemplate the frightening calamities that have befallen us throughout history – from Churban to Inquisition to Shoa – we come to the realization that without G-d’s protective shield, we are subject to any & all misfortune at the hands of the nations. And so we seek shelter in His Divine presence.
Yom Kippur also is an opportunity to draw closer to the Almighty. But its approach is one of Ahava; wanting to shed the sins which scar our souls, seeking G-d "where He may be found." Appreciating all He gives us, immersing ourselves in prayer & petition all day long, wearing white to symbolize the pure neshama which we seek for ourselves.
Tisha B’Av comes before Elul. It is akin to the Mitzvot Lo Ta’aseh, the negative commandments of the Torah. There are more of them than the positive Mitzvot (365-248), for abstaining from sin precedes the performance of positive actions. (This is precisely why Hillel told the convert, "Do not do to others that which you don’t want them to do to you," instead of "Do to others as you would have them do to you.") Fear is the most basic, primal motivator of Man and is a necessary first step.
But then comes Elul & Yom Kippur. We are ready now to go forward & elevate ourselves in spiritual growth. Fear gives way to love; Black turns into White, & Hashem is ready to receive us.
Redemption, please G-d, comes Fast.
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
Lessons
fast navigation
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.