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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Beha'alotcha
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The appointment of the elders to leadership positions was apparently a reaction to Moshe’s complaint, "I cannot carry on my own the burden of the nation, for it is too heavy for me" (Bamidbar 11:14). The Ramban (ad loc.:16) points out that the choice of 70 elders was not a matter of convenience but a deep matter. There are 70 nations of the world with 70 languages since Hashem mixed them up at the Tower of Babel. Corresponding to the 70 nations, 70 of our forefathers sojourned to Egypt. The significance of 70, says the Ramban, is that it "includes all the opinions and the powers, leaving nothing missing." The 70 were under Moshe, the 71st, as in the Sanhedrin for all generations, where a nasi presided over 70 members. The Ramban hints that as Hashem presided over the 71, making Him the 72nd, Hashem’s full name has 72 letters.
Some view Moshe as existing on a different plane from other nevi’im. Some view him as the symbol of all prophets throughout history. Either way, we learn an important lesson. There was a need for 70 elders under Moshe’s tutelage. Only thus were the different possible approaches represented so that the Divine Presence would rest on the assemblage. We see also that a multitude of views need not cause divisiveness in the nation. In fact, the Ramban says that Moshe on top of the 70 is a hint at the unity of Bnei Yisrael, "one nation in the land."
Hashem agreed with Moshe that he could not lead alone, and Moshe internalized the message deeply. When Yehoshua reacted harshly to Eldad and Meidad’s presumptuous behavior (however one understands the details), Moshe reacted in an understanding manner. "If only Hashem would make all of His nation prophets" (ibid.: 28-29). The master of all prophets did not seek lone control of leadership opinions or prophecy.
Moshe’s lauded humility could be taken as a sign that one could criticize him freely. The next episode counters this misconception. His siblings, Aharon and Miriam, objected to something they noticed about Moshe and declared: "Did Hashem speak only to Moshe? Did He not speak also to us?" (ibid. 12:2). Hashem reacted harshly to the criticism and pointed out that while Moshe was the most humble person, all should realize that he was a qualitatively greater prophet than all others. As a result, Miriam was afflicted with leprosy.
Moshe reacted to the censure of his detractors with an immediate prayer for Miriam’s welfare. May we be blessed with the leadership that resembles Moshe to the extent possible.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
