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.
Peninei Halakha 11. Shaving One’s Beard During the Three Weeks
Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
