YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Beshalach
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Refael ben Yosef
It is noteworthy that not only was battle with the Plishtim avoided then, but even after Yehoshua led Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael 40 years later, the Plishtim’s land went untouched. Not one Plishti city is listed among those conquered in that generation (Yehoshua 12), whereas prominent Plishti cities, including Aza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Ekron, are listed as cities that remained unconquered (ibid. 13: 2, 3). This area corresponds with the present-day Gaza strip and a significant part of the surrounding, south-western section of modern Israel. One can simply say that Bnei Yisrael could not immediately conquer the land because they lacked the merits that would have entitled quick success. However, several midrashim advance alternative explanations.
Mechilta D’R. Yishamel says that if Bnei Yisrael would have entered the Land immediately, their preoccupation with their fields would have lessened their focus on Torah study at that formative period. Therefore, they remained in the desert for 40 years, being sustained by the manna and the water of the well, while absorbing the Torah in their bodies. Shemot Rabba (20:15) offers a parable to a king who wanted to leave a lot of property to his son but was afraid that if he gave it when the son was too young, he would ruin it. So too, it was unwise to give Bnei Yisrael the Land before they became proficient in its mitzvot, such as tithes. These two explanations indicate that the delay was caused by the hope of a direct spiritual gain.
The midrash brings an additional opinion, which relates that the inhabitants of Eretz Yisrael, upon hearing of Bnei Yisrael’s imminent arrival, uprooted trees to prevent Bnei Yisrael’s benefit. After receiving the impression that they were settling in the desert, the inhabitants replanted the trees. Thus, because of the wait, Bnei Yisrael entered a cultivated land, rather than scorched earth. A final opinion posits that Eretz Yisrael had natural portions for only ten tribes. Therefore, Hashem waited until they captured the east bank of the Jordan, satisfying two tribes and leaving the main area for only ten tribes. According to the latter midrashim, the matter was for Bnei Yisrael’s physical well-being.
Great rabbis have said that "ki karov hu" refers to the fact that Hashem is close to us, not the path. Even during difficult national times, let us remember that events that seem to be to our detriment can really be for our benefit, as Hashem is close to us. The closer we are to each other, the more likely we are to benefit from His blessings.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
