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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The same "characters" appear in this week’s parasha, but in a foreboding manner. The betrothed man dies before marrying, the one who builds the house dies before occupying it, and the planter of the vineyard dies before eating from it. All of these occur because of the curses that the nation had coming to them due to their sins (ibid. 28:29-30).
The differences between the cases are clear. The order of the people is different, with, in the latter case, the one who betroths a woman going before those who accumulated wealth. There is also no mention of the one who is afraid. Bnei Yisrael do not choose their soldiers, as they are being pursued.
First, let us explain the order. The Tosefta (Sota 7:20) says that Parashat Shoftim teaches the proper order of things: first one worries about his livelihood by building a house and cultivating his field, and then he proceeds to marry. The matter of going back from battle is in increasing level of urgency. If someone who has just started to accumulate wealth can go back home, certainly one who is in the process of marriage should return.
What is the connection between these people and the one who is afraid? There is a difference of opinion on the matter. R. Akiva said that he is indeed simply afraid. R. Yossi Hagelili said that he is afraid because of his sins, and in fact the reason that the others return from battle is to not make the sinner stand out for his sins. According to R. Akiva, there is no connection between the two sets of returnees. According to R. Yossi, one serves the other. As Rav DZ Hoffman wrote, otherwise he would be embarrassed that they would say that he was not willing to give his life to protect his nation and country. We see, then, that specifically it is the G-d-fearers who are expected to be at the head of the fighting forces.
Let us suggest another explanation. Before going to battle, it is necessary to be sure that one is willing to risk his life for the Torah, the nation, and the Land, without condition. If he is concerned that he will be distracted by personal things that will make him fearful, then he must be released immediately. He will not have the privilege of taking part in the important mitzva of protecting the land and the nation. While serving in the army is an obligation, it is mainly a privilege. The matter of the fearful is not merely a list of people to be freed but explains why one who cannot concentrate on the task at hand will not be able to take part in the mitzva.
Let us hope that at the head of every military unit, we will have men of the highest spiritual and moral standing. Let us pray that students of Torah will enlist and volunteer specifically to combat units.
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
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.