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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Chukat
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
What is the connection between the complaints and the circumvention of Edom? How could the nation call the man by the negative description, lechem hakelokel? After all, the Torah praises its taste (Shemot 16:31), and Chazal tell us that it was possible to taste any taste one wanted when eating it and relate other miracles that accompanied it (Yoma 75a). What is the significance of the specific, unusual punishment at the hands of the snakes?
One of the mitzvot which is still popular among a very broad section of Jews is lighting candles on the eve of Shabbat. The gemara (Shabbat 25b) says that it is an absolute obligation and Tosafot (ad loc.) explain that it is necessary to increase oneg Shabbat (pleasantness of the Shabbat experience - see also Mishna Berura (263:1)). At least part of the explanation is based on the fact that people enjoy their food better when they can see it. The combination of the good taste and the attractive appearance completes the positive experience.
The man, the miraculous food which accompanied Bnei Yisrael until they reached inhabited land, was a delicacy from the perspective of its taste. One could taste whatever he wanted. The generation that left Egypt knew the tastes of many different kinds of food and could pinpoint any type of taste they desired. On the other hand, they had given up the variety of appearances one could experience with food. However, its reliable availability and its taste made it an attractive alternative for them.
The generation that grew up in the desert with the man and was now preparing to enter the Land had a different perspective. They did not know how to channel their taste desires because of a lack of culinary experience. They lived with that, but the matter became more difficult when they came in contact with other nations as they approached Edom and saw "real" food. Then people began complaining about their lot regarding the man they were weary of seeing. Hashem’s response was simple. Did they want miracles or nature? If they wanted everything natural, then they must realize that a nation that walks through the wilderness for 40 years will chance upon and be imperiled by many venomous snakes. The lesson was that one cannot, as a rule, "hold the rope from its two ends" and choose when he wants miracles and when he wants a natural life.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.