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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Rachel Bat Asher
One of the prominent places we refer to Hashem as the Makom is in the prayer for Jews in despair or captivity. This in turn is probably connected to the gemara (Shabbat 12b), which states: "One who enters to visit the sick ... R. Yehuda says: ‘The Makom shall have mercy on you and on the sick of Israel.’" This Name may have its roots in our parasha.
During the episode of the dream, the word makom appears no fewer than five times. It refers to the very special location where Yaakov slept, dreamed, and became aware that he was in a holy place. The place’s sanctity was unlike holy places in future generations, as they needed to be consecrated by human processes to establish their status. Rather, Yaakov’s place was holy because it was the site of a special Divine Presence (shechina). Thus, makom and Hashem are connected.
Not only in such locations does the shechina dwell. The midrash tells us that Hashem came to visit Avraham as he recovered from circumcision. Similarly, the gemara points out that the shechina is present at the bedside of the ill, above the ill one’s head. The visitor is even supposed to choose his place and manner of sitting due to this realization. In fact, Hashem is even described as feeding the sick at that time.
How are we to cause the shechina to appear in our places? The answer may be found at the end of the story of the dream. Yaakov vowed that if he would return home in peace after his sojourn he would tithe all of the bounty he received (Bereishit 28: 20-22). This vow is the basis for the established practice of fine Jews to give 10% of their incomes to charity. We do not give the funds to Hashem and the money does not become holy but it is dispersed among Hashem’s creations. In that way, though, we are following in our Maker’s ways, Who tends to the poor and visits the sick.
One who acts in that G-dly manner can go up on the special ladders that Hashem has been erecting since creation. The midrash (Tanchuma, Vayishlach 10) says that Hashem uses those ladders to raise and lower people, to enrich the poor and impoverish the rich. That is what happened to Yaakov who was bereft of all possessions when he ran away to Aram and ended up becoming wealthy in the house of Lavan. One who follows Hashem’s path in these matters has Hashem with him. Then, just as the sick can pray to Hashem directly, the upstanding Jew does not need angels or ladders to be close to Him.
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
