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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Three Weeks
- Mourning Over the Churban
After the day of mourning of the ninth of Av, we read special Haftorot taken from the words of the prophet Isaiah, that are called seven chapters of consolation. The striking point about these seven Haftorot is that profit concentrates upon the future and ignores the tragedies of the past. He does not dwell upon the cruelty and evil of the enemies of the Jewish people, and the many atrocities that were perpetrated upon the Jewish people in destroying the Temple and later generations as well. He does not attempt to erase the past or even to justify it, even though all the actions of Heaven are just and true. In discussing the future and outlining for us the better times that will yet visit us, Isaiah's main points and themes of these seven Haftorot are the physical restoration of the Jewish people and the land of Israel and the ingathering of the exiles. It is as though we are being told that there is no use or benefit in reliving the past. Our hope and reason for continued life and success is based upon our future and its attendant blessings. The past will never bring us comfort or consolation. The paradox of life, and especially of Jewish life, is that, at one and the same time, we are to remember the past and honor its memories and lessons, while at the same time looking forward to our future as the place where our energies should be focused and expended.
It is difficult for us humans to look backwards and forwards at one and the same time. So much of the Jewish world still focuses its attention on the past, on memorials and museums. As noted above, the past never brings any sense of closure that can lead to a state of true consolation. The Talmud, therefore, warns human beings not to grieve too long or too bitterly over the tragedies that have befallen us. Such is the way of the world, and it is beyond our abilities to change this seemingly natural course of events. However, we are bidden to rise above our feelings, and continue to be productive human beings. Our future, to a great extent, is dependent upon us and what we will make of it. Judaism searches for the path and the psychological necessity be able to move forward in life, even when we are beset with dark memories and the sense of permanent loss. I once heard from Rabbi Kaheneman a comment that he made regarding a stone throwing incident that, unfortunately, happened in Israel. He said that stones are to be used for building and not for throwing. That pretty much sums up the Jewish attitude towards past tragedies and permanent loss. Throwing stones never leads to a better future. Building with stones always gives a sense of achievement and purpose for life, and it is that sense of achievement and purpose that holds within it the gift of comfort and consolation.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
