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
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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts