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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.
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
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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.
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.
