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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
One of David’s requests was: "To the sons of Barzilai Hagiladi do chesed (acts of kindness), and they should be from those who eat on your table, for they drew close to me when I was fleeing from your brother, Avshalom" (Melachim I, 2:7). Indeed, Barzilai had brought David’s fleeing encampment provisions at a time that their situation was extremely tenuous (Shmuel II, 17: 27-29). David was under tremendous emotional strain as well, as he was very attached to Avshalom (see the strong language of longing for him in Shmuel II, 15:30). An additional blow came from the participation of David’s close advisor, Achitofel. Chazal identify him as the subject of the pasuk written by David: "That together we would make sweet secret plans, in the House of Hashem we would walk with feeling" (Tehillim 55:15; see Sanhedrin 106b).
At such a low point, Barzilai’s and his associates’ chesed was uplifting both physically and emotionally. Chazal also praise this family. "The sons of Barzilai are mentioned five times to teach you that whoever feeds a tzaddik is as if he fulfilled the whole Torah" (Bereishit Rabba 58). (The names of those who brought food to David suggest that at least some were or descended from converts).
Shlomo gave the sons of Barzilai, headed by Kimham, an estate close to Yerushalayim, which sustained them nicely. In this way, David appropriately returned a favor for a favor. This type of behavior showed its signs even far into the future. After the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed and the community’s provisional leader, Gedalyah ben Ahikam, was killed, much hope was lost. The ragged remainder of the Jewish community of Israel had embarked on their journey to Egypt. Along the way, the sad procession had respite in a place near Beit Lechem named Gerut Kimham (Yirmiyah 41:17). Rashi, based on the Targum, identifies Gerut Kimham as the estate that Shlomo gave to Barzilai’s sons, including Kimham.
Consider the following situation. The Land of Judea was so desolate in those days that Chazal tell us that, for 52 years, no one passed through (see the derivation in Shabbat 145b). It appears that even the birds changed their migratory routes to avoid the area. How was it that, of all places, Geirut Kimham was still inhabited and offered some consolation to the haggard wayfarers? The answer is simple: the power of chesed! This place had been founded on the idea of "the world shall be built on chesed" (Tehillim 89:3). Even more than 400 years later, the strength of chesed prevailed and withstood the fury of the time of destruction.
Let us internalize this message and promote and practice chesed in both our private and public lives.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.