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Hana Bat Haim
In the aftermath of his sin, Kayin "came out from before Hashem" (Bereishit 4:16). The midrash (Rabba 22:13) gives three possibilities as to in what way he came out. The first two describe different types of deception which Kayin tried to use with Hashem. However, the third idea is that he came out from a discussion with his father, Adam, about the latter’s successful experience with teshuva for his sin of the Tree of Knowledge.
The different approaches to the question whether Kayin did or did not deal with his sin properly stem from the understanding of Kayin’s response after Hashem’s question, "Where is your brother, Hevel?" Regarding the pasuk, "My sin is too great to be beared," Rashi explains it as a cynical rhetorical question to Hashem, questioning why Hashem could not deal with his sin as He deals with a complex world. However, Ibn Ezra and the Ramban view the statement as the first sincere step toward Kayin’s teshuva, that of admitting guilt.
Kayin’s experience teaches us that it is insufficient to admit the correctness of the facts of the sin. One can still make a variety of excuses to try to mitigate the severity of his actions. One can claim that someone else was really responsible even if he physically performed the sin. Or one can claim that what was done cannot be fixed so why should he try. Finally, one can even put the burden of securing repentance on Hashem as opposed to oneself. The common denominator is the refusal to take responsibility.
It is no coincidence that these important lessons about teshuva are found in the parasha that deals with Hashem’s creation of the world. Hashem created a world which needs to be perfected by human activity. By concentrating on fixing matters, man can become a partner in creation, using the powers of teshuva that predated the world. He can help make the world a complete one that serves its Creator.
Let us hope that in our daily, private and public lives, those who make decisions will realize their responsibility for that which was done and not done. Let them be more concerned that no evil result from their actions and less concerned whether they will be able to escape consequences if and when problems arise.
Parashat Hashavua The Strength of His Actions He Told to His Nation
Harav Shaul Yisraeli – from Siach Shaul, pp. 6-8
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.