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Beit Midrash
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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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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.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
