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Beit Midrash
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- Sefirat Haomer
- The Meaning Sefirat Ha'omer
These words in our Sedra describe the Sefirat Ha-Omer ritual which is currently underway; it began on Pesach & concludes on Shavuot. This is quite an unusual Mitzva, this series of counting, a practice that historically started on a celebratory note, but which has become tinged with sadness, as we mourn the loss of Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students – who died during this same period - & observe semi-mourning practices in their memory.
One of the more perplexing aspects of the Omer relates to the rules of counting. Traditionally, the rabbi or the shaliach tzibbur counts first, with a bracha, we all answer "Amen," then each of us counts individually with our own bracha. But why isn’t it sufficient to be yotze with the leader’s rendition, as we do for Kiddush & other prayers?
Furthermore, the halacha says that if we forget to count on any one night, then we cannot continue counting with a bracha (tho we do continue without saying the bracha). This is because the 49 days of counting are one "set."
But if they are a set, then why don’t we just make one bracha at the beginning of the count, on the first night, & then say a closing bracha on the last night? Why are there 49 separate brachot recited?!
And if you counter that each bracha is self-contained & a mitzvah in & of itself, then why do I forfeit my bracha on day 29 just because I forgot day 28?! Make up your mind, please: is this an individual, or a communal Mitzva?
The answer, of course, is "Yes; they are both!" We count as individuals, but within the greater majority. We learn this from the two seemingly contradictory words in the pasuk above: Lachem, for you, i.e. individually; & T’mimot, complete, i.e. one ongoing comprehensive package encompassing the entire 49-day period.
That is the law, the rules, unusual as they may be. But there is also a beautiful philosophy behind them. Judaism recognizes the uniqueness of every single person; none of us was created "by accident," we each have our own strengths & abilities, something special that Hashem chose to bestow upon us & only us.
But, at the same time, we are part of a greater entity, the entire body of Am Yisrael, & we must bring our talents to the community & to the world. When "me" becomes "we," we truly count &, in turn, are counted upon.
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.