YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Bereshit
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
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.
Peninei Halakha 11. Shaving One’s Beard During the Three Weeks
Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
