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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
However, there are exceptional individuals capable of ascending to extraordinary heights. Such people are able to demand more of themselves.
In general, people differ in character. Some possess greater spiritual capacity and hence more is expected of them. Pious abstinence befits such individuals. They are called upon to distance themselves not only from prohibited matters, but even from overindulgence in permitted pleasures. They are expected to make due with little and to train themselves not to be held sway by their baser inclinations. This, of course, does not imply renouncing necessities without which a person suffers or becomes weak. It is forbidden for a person to deny himself such things. Rather, we are referring to those things which are not necessities, things which it is possible to do without.
Enjoying Life (2)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
1 - 27. Abstinence and Permissible Pleasures (Cont.)
2 - 28. Types of Pious Abstinence
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We may bring an example of such behavior from R' Yehoshua ben Levi. According to Jewish law, if non-Jews lay siege on a Jewish town and say, "Give us so-and-so. He wronged us and he is hiding is this town, and if you don't hand him over we will conquer the city and kill you all," it is permitted to hand over the accused if he is a wicked person who deserves death. By so doing the entire town will be saved.
R' Yochanan taught that even if the accused is not wicked, if the non-Jews demand a particular individual, it is permitted to hand him over in order to save the town. In fact, there was such a case, and R' Yehoshua ben Levi went to the wanted individual and asked him to hand himself over in order to save the town. The latter heeded R' Yehoshua ben Levi's request and handed himself over.
Now, until this episode, R' Yehoshua ben Levi often experienced revelations of Elijah the Prophet. However, afterwards, Elijah stopped appearing to him. R' Yehoshua ben Levi performed many fasts until finally Elijah reveal himself again:
"I do not reveal myself to those who extradite their brethren" he said.
R' Yehoshua ben Levi replied, "But I only acted according to the law."
"Is this the law adopted by the pious?" said Elijah. True, you acted in accordance with the law, but this is not proper conduct for a pious individual like yourself, and you should not have been involved in handing over the accused.
There are rules of legal conduct and there are rules of pious conduct. A person who is fit for such is called upon to accept the rules of pious conduct. Pious abstinence is not for everybody, but those unique individuals who are able to behave in such a manner have an effect on everybody. Through them the entire population is uplifted.
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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.
