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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Lech Lecha
One of the tests that Avraham had to pass was to be willing to sojourn from place to place. Rashi (Bereishit 12:2) points out that it usually detracts from one’s fame, his accumulation of wealth, and his ability to successfully procreate.
It is not only the fact that Avraham agreed to uproot himself and move. Of significance is that Avraham also worked on his "equilibrium" while he was on the journey. When one is in his own place, he has a certain standing in his society, and he also has a way in which he goes about preserving his standing. There are usually several things that a person would contemplate doing, yet he refrains from them out of concern that they do not correspond favorably to his reputation.
In Avraham’s original setting, he was well known. His status was set, and he was greatly respected. This was especially true after he prevailed miraculously in the test of the kivshan ha’esh (fiery furnace). It was in the direct aftermath of that wonderful event that Hashem approached Avraham with the command of "lech lecha." The logic is that there arose a danger that some of Avraham’s actions would no longer be done with a feeling of purity, as now it was liable to be connected to a sense of rote and as an extension of what existed in the past. From that point, it became possible that he might want to rest on his laurels and enjoy the fruits of his previous successes. That indeed is a dangerous situation.
This, then, is the background for Hashem’s charge of lech lecha. "Go to a place where they do not know you, where the test at which you will need to succeed could not possibly be completed with help of the stature you had already attained. Wander through the land and go to a place where they do not know you, where they do not understand what you have accomplished, to a place where you do not have people whom you have helped mold over the years. In that place, start from scratch."
The Torah elsewhere (Devarim 6:7, in the parasha of Kri’at Shema) discusses what one needs to do when he is in a situation of "while you walk on the path" – you shall speak about [these words of connection to Hashem]. You must not take your mind off the matters of substance even when you are involved in the difficulties of a journey. Even when it is ostensibly necessary to get up early and begin to travel before the sun heats the day up, when there is a need to take care of things you need, and it would seem justified to not pray at this time, what did Avraham do?! Avraham instituted the prayer of Shacharit (Berachot 26b)!
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.