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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
R' Yosef ben Yaakov
First let us notice that the Rabbis do not say that a student is like a child. They say, "k’ilu yelado (as if he begot him)." In fact, the pasuk that is the basis for the exegesis uses the word, "toldot." While this can refer to children, it can also refer to the history of or accomplishments of someone or something (see Bereishit 2:4 & 6:9 with Rashi). Thus, the sons of Aharon were the sons of Aharon, not Moshe. However, Moshe begot them in that he contributed significantly to their development.
Chazal’s statement appears to have an extraneous reference. Why does it say, "teaches his friend’s son" and not simply say, "teaches another." The answer is that the teacher acts best when he works in concert with the parents. Whenever possible, he should try to advance the student on the path the student’s parents placed him. Parents and teachers should be friends, not adversaries. Indeed, the pasuk does not refer to Aharon’s sons as the offspring of Moshe but as the offspring of Aharon and Moshe. It was the joint effort that produced the desired, final result.
Chazal’s statement may also allude to a situation where one teaches another’s child as a favor, not for pay. (Note that Moshe is the source for the concept that, under perfect circumstances, one does not take money for teaching Torah- see Nedarim 37a). This distinction has halachic consequence. The Rama (Yoreh Deah 242:34) limits the rule that one should return a lost object to his rebbe before returning one to his father to a case where the rebbe teaches the son for free.
The end of the pasuk is puzzling, as it says the relationships were true on the day that Hashem spoke to Moshe at Sinai. Rashi explains that this is a sign that the relationship between Moshe and his nephews was forged around Torah, Hashem’s word at Sinai. Historically, this is difficult, as Moshe did not start teaching his students on the day the Torah was given. Rather he had just begun spending three periods of 40 days and nights alone with Hashem on Sinai. We may suggest that when Moshe learned the Torah, he had a clear eye toward teaching it to his students. Thus, even Moshe’s own learning time was considered a preparation for the teaching/begetting that would follow.
In summary, a Torah teacher may consider himself a force in forging his or her students’ personalities. However, he should realize that their parents are partners and that the extent of his own credit depends on his dedication.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
