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Beit Midrash
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- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
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Midrashim connect the motif of redness in regard to Eisav to other contexts in Tanach. One midrash (see Midrash Shocher Tov 52) connects Eisav, the spiller of blood, to Doeg the Edomite, who tried and almost succeeded in having David’s blood spilled.
If we look at Tanach, we will find that King David himself, the pleasant poet/singer of Israel and the architect of the Beit Hamikdash, was twice described in terms of redness. When Shmuel went to Yishai’s home to look for a future king to anoint and David was eventually presented to him, he is described as "admoni with pretty eyes and good to the sight" (Shmuel I, 16:12). The second time is when Goliat saw David and belittled him (as a warrior) for being young, admoni, and good looking (ibid. 17:42).
Despite this one striking similarity between Eisav and David, Chazal explain to us the great difference between them. When Shmuel saw that David was ruddy, he was afraid that he might be a spiller of blood like Eisav. Hashem pointed out to Shmuel that he had nice eyes, and then added that Eisav killed because he decided to kill, whereas David would kill when he was acting on the instructions of the Sanhedrin (Bereishit Rabba 63:8). The connection between David’s nice eyes and the instructions of Sanhedrin is based on the fact that they are called the "eyes of the congregation" (see Bamidbar 15:24).
Our mentor, Rav Shaul Yisraeli zt"l, who was one of the greatest experts on the halachot of a Jewish state, posited that decisions do not require Sanhedrin per se. Rather, whoever expresses the desire of the nation and received the nation’s authorization to run the affairs of state has the equivalent status. While an actual Sanhedrin is more ideal, representatives who are chosen by means of election are also valid, and their decisions are considered the "law of the land" (Amud Hayemini I:9:10).
Over the past year plus (in addition to many previous "rounds"), we have been fighting groups of blood-thirsty murderers, who are students of Eisav the Admoni, the grandfather of Amalek, with whom there is always a mitzva to fight until their destruction. The difference between Hamas fighters and the IDF is that the latter are the successors of David Hamelech, who was an admoni with pretty eyes, who act in the name of a law-abiding state and fight the wars of Hashem with clean and pure hands. They can be called holy, righteous, and brave in their lifetimes and if it is, Heaven forbid, so decreed, then in their deaths.
Shoftim Can a Sheitel be Prohibited Because of Avodah Zarah?
A Background Discussion about the use of Indian Hair
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
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.
