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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- Sukkot
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Revital Bat Lea
Rav Dessler (Michtav Me’Eliyahu, vol. II) claims that the theme of Sukkot is nullifying the significance of the physical world in one’s eyes. In davening, we refer to being enveloped by a sukka of peace, which he describes as the realization that the pursuit of pleasures and security of the material world is futile. One must realize that Hashem alone provides our needs. He explains in that light also that the fact that Divine clouds, which some say were the historical sukkot, were given to Bnei Yisrael in Aharon’s merit. Aharon’s attribute was that of a peace-maker. True peace requires negating the pursuit of materialism. If one stresses worldly pleasures, he will view others as competitors for its treasures. Only if one strives for true spirituality (not pursuit of honor within the world of the spiritual) will he view others’ success as beneficial to him.
Let us not make a mistake. Sukkot is not a time of asceticism. All of the three festivals have an agricultural element to them, and Sukkot is the most joyous, as the festival of harvest (chag ha’asif). In fact, in our simple dwelling, we are supposed to arrange the finest décor we can. We are not to deny the value of the bounty but to put it into perspective. Possessions are important tools, not permanent attainments. A related message is that you beautify a structure by what you put into it, not by the structure itself.
That perhaps is the message of the dearth of the Torah’s historical account. We do not stress what happened. We stress how the message of what happened then helps us to deal with our present situation. We realize that Hashem sustained Bnei Yisrael when we needed protection. So too, we forego our normal form of protection and look for one "closer to Hashem." How this message applies to the individual depends more on the particulars of his life than to the historical occurrence.
Many of us, especially in Israel, have felt insecurity from this summer’s experiences. We have learned in an all too sobering fashion that what one could view as a permanent house can suddenly turn into little more than a sukka. Let us be encouraged, not depressed by Sukkot’s message, that even in a temporary dwelling, Divine protection continues to exist, for each generation and person with its or his one modalities.
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts