YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Shmini
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
In the past, we have presented a thesis that the sale of Yosef was the root cause of the Golden Calf and of the execution of the Ten Martyrs, which included Rabbi Akiva. As in contemporary times we seem to always be struggling with national tendencies of sinat chinam (baseless hatred). We will now try to look at the matter of the sale of Yosef from a different perspective.
The Yerushalmi (Shekalim 2:3) investigates the idea behind the donation of a half-shekel coin (the full shekel coin weighs 20 gera), which is presented as an "atonement for the soul" (Shemot 30:15). R. Yehuda says that its significance was as an atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf, which was done in the middle (half) of the day. R. Yehoshua says that since the people violated the Ten Commandments, they should each bring a coin that weighs ten gera. Rav Berechia continues on the theme of the significance of weights for atonement. Since Bnei Yisrael sold Rachel’s firstborn for 20 silver coins, all Jews have to give the weight of 20 silver coins for their firstborn son.
The first two agree that the half-shekel coin is somehow related to the sin of the Golden Calf. One focuses on the textual hint that relates to the time of day and one focuses on the Ten Commandments, which were violated in the process of the horrendous, sinful episode. Rav Berechia, in that same discussion, connects the coins to the sale of Yosef. There is a final opinion in the Yerushalmi that connects the sale of Yosef with the half-coin. The brothers, who received 20 silver coins, each received two and, says R. Pinchas, Bnei Yisrael would have to give a half-shekel, equal in weight to those silver coins.
Let us present a new idea about the connection between the Golden Calf, the sale of Yosef, and the Ten Commandments. Yosef’s brothers sinned in the realm of between man and his fellow man. The Golden Calf was a sin between man and his Maker. The former is presented on one Tablet given to Moshe, and the latter on the other. The half-shekel atonement hints that it is a mistake to try to separate between these elements, as we must remember there are two halves. We need to look for the common denominator and to complete ourselves. We also need, nationally, to realize that we must learn from those who put a stress on social justice, as well as those who stress service of Hashem, in order to have a full picture.
In the hope that we will all learn to treat each other with respect, let us build a more perfect society in the State of Israel, one which is fit for the Divine Presence to dwell amongst us.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
