YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tavo
It is difficult to discern this from a short-term perspective; sometimes a family with many children will find it more difficult financially than a family with fewer children (and therefore there are halachic considerations that take into account the economic and emotional state of each couple); however, from a long-term perspective, the figures are astonishing: in 1800, there were one billion people and today, there are eight; in 1948, there were 600,000 Jews in Israel, and today there are close to seven million – and the standard of living is only increasing more and more. The more people there are, the more are able they are to derive more from the planet. Quality triumphs over quantity, spirit triumphs over matter. King David had poignant words to express this: "You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing".
The torah portion we will read this Shabbat reassures us: "it shall be if you shall heed the voice of the Lord your God... Blessed is the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your land". According to conservative estimates, by 2050 there will be 15 million Jews in Israel (Arab demographics is declining, by the way). In the short term, more traffic jams on the roads; In the long run, this is an economic, social and cultural empire.
The bad will pass.
The good will prevail.
With God's help.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
