YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Lech Lecha
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
The gemara (Shabbat 55a) discusses the fact that the z’chut (merit of the) avot wore off (there is a dispute as to when). Tosafot points out that even so, the brit (covenant of the) avot does not run out, and it is that which we rely upon. What is the difference between z’chut avot and brit avot?
A brit does not depend on merit but stems from an innate connection begun by those who form the covenant, which continues on almost regardless of the future generations’ characteristics. Based on such a covenant, the prophet can proclaim: "Your nation are all righteous, forever will they inherit the land" (Yeshaya 60:21). This connectedness was at the heart of the brit bein habetrim which Hashem made with Avram specifically in Chevron, during his first stay in the Land. The move to Eretz Yisrael at that time had been based on a deep inner connection between Avram and the Land, rather than of a result of a Divine decree that he should move there.
Z’chut develops as a result of an accumulation of proper utilization of free will causing a surplus of spiritual credit, if you will. However, Bnei Yisrael can lose credit and can actually go into deficit. The symbol of the result of choices is Yerushalayim, the object of the many references to "the place that Hashem shall choose." Avraham’s life in Eretz Yisrael revolved around the locations and models of Yerushalayim and Chevron. These represent, respectively, the special innate connection that reached a pinnacle at brit bein habetarim and the successful passing of many tests thrown Avraham’s way, culminating in akeidat Yitzchak. King David also possessed these two elements, starting as king in Chevron and moving to Yerushalayim.
Avraham paved the way for all future generations of offspring. There are those who came to Eretz Yisrael because of the innate, almost subconscious Jewish connection to the Land. Others came out of a realization that Hashem wants us to do so and a choice to follow Hashem’s wishes. Let us hope that more will take either approach and seize the opportunity to actualize the z’chut avot and brit avot.
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
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.