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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Bereshit
The Rambam (Beit Habechira 2:1-2) gives special standing to the Land. He says that the altar of the Beit Hamikdash was destined for a special location, chosen by Hashem. He both finds biblical support and cites oral tradition that it was the place at which Avraham bound Yitzchak before Hashem. It was also the place of Noach’s altar after the flood, the place of the offerings of Kayin and Hevel, and the place from which Adam was created and where he brought an offering after his creation.
In our parasha as well, Eretz Yisrael has a special status behind the scenes. The gemara (Zevachim 113a, as does Shir Hashirim Rabba 4) cites an opinion that there was not rain of the flood there and that is therefore from there that the dove brought the olive leaf. There is a hint at this in the prophecy of Yechezkel (22:24) who refers to the Land as "not rained upon in the day of anger." Chazal are thus teaching us that Eretz Yisrael is a unique place, which is different from any other place mentioned in Tanach.
The end of the parasha shines a negative light on Noach’s son Cham and two of his sons, Cana’an and Kush. Cham and his younger son, Cana’an, reached lowly spiritual levels and were thus subject to Hashem’s curse, reminding us of Hashem’s reaction to the sin of the snake (see Bereishit 3:14,17).
Kush was the firstborn son of Cham and the father of the infamous Nimrod, who was the blasphemer who rebelled against the Creator (ibid. 10:8-9). He led the people of the Tower of Bavel and spoke connivingly to forsake Hashem. He knew about Hashem and intended to oppose Him. Tzidon was Cana’an’s firstborn. His city was on the northwestern boundary of Eretz Cana’an, which stretched all the way to Sodom and Amora (ibid. 19), whose people became the symbol of evil.
If so, Parashat Noach is an introduction of sorts to the story of the Nation of Israel, the descendants of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, and Leah. In fact the very end of the parasha introduces us to Avraham’s sojourns in Eretz Yisrael. The reason that Avraham was to go specifically there is alluded to in the parasha’s first section, dealing with the flood, which the Land evaded. It is a Land that is designed for living in sanctity and purity, which is why it did not require purification by means of the flood. On the other hand, after the flood, it required spiritual mending due to the horrible behavior of the descendants of Cham.
May we merit to follow in the footsteps of Avraham, on a path of charity and justice. May we discover the unique potential of Eretz Yisrael and serve as an alternative to the sinful ways of the Land’s original occupiers, Cham, Cana’an, Nimrod, and the residents of Dead Sea region.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.