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Beit Midrash
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Let’s add to this another question: The Torah later says that we should do that which is "Good & Right, ha-tov v’ha-yashar," in the eyes of G-d. What differentiates "good" & "right?" And why davka does it reference the eyes of G-d?
Rashi enlightens us: "Tov" means good in the eyes of Heaven, while "Yashar" means right in the eyes of humanity. We have been given two eyes, rather than one, for a good reason: We must constantly look up to the Heavens for approval, checking that we are conducting ourselves in the way Hashem would want us to act. Yet it is not enough to seek approval for our actions solely in the Heavenly court. The way we act must also be palatable & pleasant to those around us; how others look upon our behavior is of no less importance than how G-d sees us.
This requires us to constantly check our actions. G-d may love it when we exuberantly sing out in prayer & loudly praise Hashem’s name, but how do the people davening next to us feel about it?! Are we perhaps impinging on their ability to pray with kavana - concentration? And while it is incumbent upon me (and all Jews!) to learn Torah, do I have the right to make others pay my expenses in order to do so? In other words, it may be "tov" in G-d’s eyes, but is it "yashar" in people’s?
And yes, it’s a very noble thing to speak out or march in support of a cause that we believe benefits the greater community. But if that march is on Shabbat, have we brought honor to Hashem’s name?! It may be Yashar, but is it Tov?!
Perhaps we can now answer our initial question about the unusual combination of the singular & the plural in the opening sentence of our sedra. Each of us has a personal, unique relationship with Hashem, a "one-on-one" that accompanies us every moment of our lives. And we have to be true to that singular dynamic, & appreciate just how special that makes each & every one of us to G-d.
But we must also recognize that we are not alone in this world; we are part of a greater whole, a community, a worldwide family. What we do affects not only ourselves; it extends far & wide. Because not only are we connected to G-d; we are joined at the Neshama with every other Jew. So we must look carefully in both directions, & be "right" and "good" at the same time.
The gematriya of Tov V’Yashar (533) equals "she’lo l’fached klal." If we follow this advice, we will have nothing whatsoever to fear from G-d - or Man.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.