YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Shmot
Adam’s first activity after being created was to give names to all of the other animals created, and the Torah immediately points out that Adam did not find a mate (Bereishit 1:19-20). What is the significance of the naming and how is it connected to his wife, whom he called Chava after she was created (ibid. 3:20)?
Adam unfortunately did not "call out in Shem Hashem." Avraham was the first one to do so, and he did so in conjunction with erecting altars for the service of Hashem (ibid. 12:7-8). In those p’sukim, the Torah repeatedly uses the word sham to stress the places where he acted in service of Hashem. Thus, there is a uniting of the words of shem and sham. What is their logical connection?
When the Torah discusses the place he chose for the Beit Hamikdash, it is called the "makom (place) he chose to place His Name there (lasum shemo sham)." The Torah continues with the mitzva to go shama and sacrifice shama (Devarim 12:5-6).
In order to understand sham, let us look at the first time its root comes up, actually in the first pasuk of the Torah, referring to shamayim, the heavens. Among the many attempts to explain the word shamayim, let us suggest that it is the plural, so to speak, of sham. In other words, the heavens represents all of the places where Hashem appears in the physical world. Having the heavens (or Heavens) represent Hashem is famous in expressions like yirat shamayim and "min hashamayim tenuchamu."
Regarding Adam’s naming, giving a name is an expression of touching its essence, which is first and foremost, its connection with Hashem. This is true of every person’s name, so that the naming of a baby so early in his life is of great significance. It is also one of the first questions a person is asked after his death (Semachot, Chibut Hakever 1:6). After Adam named all the animals, he realized that he needed a wife who could connect him to Hashem through the close relationship between them.
Avraham realized upon coming to Eretz Yisrael that this was the place in which he could successfully call out in the Name of Hashem. His activities of this nature are captured with the use of the words: shem, sham, and makom, which is parallel to shamayim. The presence of these words hints at the Divine Presence.
Shemot, the book of the Chumash that announces the emergence of a holy nation, not just holy individuals, tells of an unbreakable bond created between the nation and Hashem. May we merit Divine Presence in our home by virtue of succeeding in building a family that gives a home for the Presence to dwell. May the nation as a whole and every individual within it, always remember that we have a special name and a special connection to Hashem.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
