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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tavo
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
"It shall be on the day that you cross the Jordan to the Land ... and you shall erect (vahakemota) large stones and coat them with plaster. You shall write upon them all the words of this Torah as you cross in order that you should enter the Land... It shall be when you cross the Jordan, you shall erect (takimu) these stones that I am commanding you today on Mt. Eival ... Build an altar there ... Sacrifice shelamim and eat there and be happy before Hashem ... Write on the stones all the words of the Torah, elucidated well." Abarbanel was troubled by a simple question. Why does the Torah repeat the same thing, to take stones and write on them after crossing the Jordan, in such close proximity?
Abarbanel answers with a fascinating claim. The first time the Torah did not command to take action. Rather, it predicted that Bnei Yisrael would act as other nations do. Namely, after reaching a momentous occasion, entering the Promised Land with the prospect of finally settling it, they would make a monument to capture the moment for posterity. "The words of Torah as you cross" refer to those events that the Torah describes that are related to the preparations to cross into the Land.
Hashem allowed Bnei Yisrael to continue with their plans but instructed them to make the monument appropriate for the Nation of the Torah. It should incorporate all the mitzvot of the Torah and put all in the perspective, not only of a historical attainment, but of an act of perpetuation of the covenant with Hashem, the ultimate purpose of their entering the Land. Mt. Eival was chosen as the site to erect the stones and sacrifice to Hashem for one of two reasons. One is that on that mountain Bnei Yisrael would be warned of the negative consequences of not living up to their side of the agreement. The other is that it would give a positive look on the happenings on Mt. Eival and not have it known only for the curses for Bnei Yisrael if they do not comply.
This commandment, according to Abarbanel, provides an eye-opening approach to the mindset of the nation entering the Land. They were to experience conquest, setting up political and judicial systems, and more, as Sefer Devarim foretold. They would want to act in the ways of the nations and show their pride in their achievements. This tendency need not be denied, as long as it was modified to take into full account their status as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
