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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Laws of Shabbat
- Praying, Kiddush and the Meals
It is also reasoned that since one recently "vayechulu" in the synagogue while standing it can now be recited at home while sitting. 3 Sitting for kiddush also complies with the view which requires that everyone who is being included in the recitation of a blessing be seated together as it is being recited. 4 When people are seated together they appear more as a unified group than individuals who are standing around randomly do. For this reason some suggest sitting for havdalla, as well. 5
On the other hand, those who stand for kiddush do so out of respect for Shabbat, which is compared to a bride. According to some authorities, it is specifically when we recite (or hear) kiddush that we formally receive the Shabbat bride. 6 It is argued that just as one stands for the blessings recited for the bride under the chuppa one should also stand for kiddush which is essentially a blessing for the Shabbat bride. This was the custom of the kabbalists. 7 According to this approach, standing around the table for kiddush demonstrates that the kiddush is a component of the meal just as much as sitting does. 8 This is the view of the Rambam who writes explicitly in the laws of Sukkot that when one recites kiddush on Sukkot one is to stand for the kiddush component and then sit for the "leishev basukka" blessing. 9 It was also the practice of the Arizal to stand for kiddush. 10
Additionally, it is argued that the "vayechulu" paragraph which opens the kiddush is actually a type of testimony – testifying that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh – and halacha requires that testimony always be given while standing. 11 Once one is already standing for vayechulu, the custom evolved to remain standing for the rest of kiddush, as well. Furthermore, the first letter of the first four words of the kiddush ("Yom Hashishi Vayechulu Hashamayim") spell out the name of God which is reason enough to stand for kiddush. 12
All customs are halachically valid. 13
^ 1.Pesachim 101.
^ 2.Kolbo 4; Mishna Berura 271:46.
^ 3.Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 271:19.
^ 4.Berachot 43a; Tur, OC 274.
^ 5.Tosfot, Berachot 43a.
^ 6.Bava Kamma 32b; Igrot Moshe, OC 5:16.
^ 7.Aruch Hashulchan, OC 271:24.
^ 8.Beit Yosef, OC 271; Mishna Berura 271:46.
^ 9.Rambam, Hilchot Sukka 6:12; Mishna Berura 643:4.
^ 10.Kaf Hachaim, OC 271:64; Shulchan Aruch Ha'arizal 271:6; Rivevot Ephraim 4:97:18.
^ 11.Mishna Berura 271:45.
^ 12.Minhag Yisrael Torah, OC 271:12.
^ 13.Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchata 47:28; Rivevot Ephraim 4:97:31.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.