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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
Commentaries note the uncommon use of the word rek, describing the value of the Torah. Rashi points out that the Torah offers great reward for those who apply themselves to it. The Me’am Loez brings a related explanation. One must take proper care in fulfilling the Torah because the fact that one gets reward for it increases his obligation to adhere to it. He makes reference to the halachot of watchmen. One who watches something for free must pay for its disappearance only if he was negligent in watching it. However, a paid watchman must pay even if it was stolen or lost without negligence.
Extending this distinction further, we note the halacha in Bava Kamma 99b. If one is entrusted to slaughter an animal and does so incorrectly, he has to pay for making it unkosher if he was not fully trained to perform the slaughter. An expert need not have expected that the mishap would occur and is exempt. However, if he was paid for his services, even the expert is responsible.
Some Jews are more prepared than others for the responsibilities the Torah places upon us. However, as we receive ample reward for our proper fulfillment, we are liable for the avoidable mistakes we make. Our concentration on the preparations to fulfill our task (the study of Torah) is valuable. Firstly, it increases the percentage of proper fulfillment over mistakes in our service of Hashem, which brings us significant award. Secondly, we are rewarded for the study itself, which is one of the greatest mitzvot. However, study is not an excuse that removes responsibility for mistakes that we make along the way. Punishment can be erased only through the special gifts of teshuva (repentance) and kaparah (atonement), which reach their peaks in the yearly cycle during the coming days.
Let us take this concept in its positive light to explain a well-known Talmudic statement. "Greater is [the reward of] he who is commanded and fulfills than one who is not commanded and fulfills" (Kiddushin 31a). Many explain that the evil inclination of he who is commanded raises the level of difficulty and brings more reward to he who succeeds. If we take the Me’am Lo’ez, in its converse, we can suggest the following. Since the fact that we are obligated makes us liable to be punished for not fulfilling, we are compensated by the fact that our fulfillment brings greater reward.
May all of us individually and collectively succeed in fulfilling our obligations and obtaining full atonement.
Parashat Hashavua Shabbat and Teshuva
Harav Shaul Yisraeli – condensed from Aroch Si’ach, pp. 238-242
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
