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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The three patriarchs each passed on to the nation, a special quality that he epitomized: Torah, service of Hashem, and acts of kindness. Avraham, as the pillar of kindness, was the most foundational of the patriarchs (see Rashi, Bereishit 12:2). Yitzchak, who allowed himself to be tied down as a sacrifice, was the pillar of service of Hashem. He revealed our power of self-sacrifice for the sanctity of Hashem. These two powers can have their full impact only when the light of Torah lights up one’s inner soul, and gives meaning to the self-sacrifice and kind deeds. That is the reason that Avraham was saved in the merit of Yaakov. All of these powers together form the basis of a Jew.
Some people talk of acts of kindness, but they primarily want to receive rather than give. The monks who swore off pleasures of the world are the ones who created the Inquisition. Only the Torah of Israel gives things proper balance.
Torah sets forth a special approach to life. Yaakov not only epitomizes Torah but an approach to life based on Torah in which simple necessities suffice (see Avot 6:4). In order to imprint into Israel the seal of Torah, Yaakov had to have his physical body tested as well. He had to undergo the fearful state of being a stranger in exile, and he indeed experienced difficulties from a young age. He bought the firstborn status and received the coveted blessings, but instead of making life easier, it just aroused Eisav’s wrath. While it was Eisav who was enjoying the pleasures of the Land, Yaakov had a humble existence on the other side of the Jordan (see Bereishit 32:11).
Although the Sons of Yaakov passed many "Jordans" on the way to exiles, they never become one with their countries of exile but remained in each only a few generations. While they are always a step away from the next expulsion, they survive. "If not for the enjoyment of the Torah, I would have been lost in my affliction" (Tehillim 119:92). This is what made us the Nation of the Book, and separated us from a permanent connection to the earth, as is common for nations. Because of this, Yaakov’s "inheritance" is unlimited. That is the idea of the ladder whose legs are on the ground but whose head is in the Heavens (Bereishit 28:12). There is a higher goal than the ground from which the ladder emanates. Yaakov had no one house, so the whole world was his house.
When one "indulges Shabbat," he receives Yaakov’s lot. It is not just the positive acts of eating delicious foods and make oneself happy, but "giving back" to Shabbat, increasing its sanctity, that is truly worth reward. When one embraces the "signs" of Shabbat (see Shemot 31:13, 17), leaving behind the troubles of the week and breaking the bonds to the land, he receives the inheritance of Yaakov.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
