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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
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Midrash Sechel Tov (ad loc.) says that Yehuda was sent because he was the leader among the brothers. The Midrash Hagadol (ad loc.) posits that it is a good sign for the family/nation when Yehuda and Yosef interact closely (based on Zecharia 10:6 & Yechezkel 37:16, regarding the final redemption). According to Midrash Hagadol, then, Yaakov’s choice was to send a message of unity between the sons of Leah and those of Rachel. This partnership, highlighted in the blessings to Rut and Boaz (Rut 4:11), is a condition for the ultimate redemption.
Why does the Torah stress that Yehuda was sent "before him"? Midrash Sechel Tov attributes it to manners – to let Yosef know that his father would be coming soon, as it is proper etiquette whenever an important person comes to visit. As part of the effort to build unity, etiquette and sensitivity play roles.
The Rabbis over the generations understood differently the meaning of "l’horot before him to Goshen." One approach (held by Unkelos, Rashi, and others) puts stress on "to Goshen." Yaakov sent Yehuda as a scout to find the best way to get to Goshen and find the best setup there. It was a priority that it not be too centrally located within Egypt, so that the local environs would not introduce serious spiritual problems. Along these lines, an opinion in Midrash Hagadol says, "to create a place to live."
The second approach focuses on l’horot and gives it a spiritual connotation. Rav Chama (in Midrash Hagadol) says that it was to prepare a meeting place for Torah. Rashi explains similarly – to establish a center of Torah study, from which rulings (hora’a) would emerge. Also in Midrash Rabba (Bereishit 95) – they would teach Torah to all of the tribes. Midrash Sechel Tov proposes a hint – l’horot is like l’orot, which has the gematria of 613. It goes on to say that Yosef established a yeshiva in Goshen that dealt with the wisdom of Torah before it was given. Rabbi Avraham, son of the Rambam, points out that the way horot is written gives it the same gematria as Torah.
All approaches teach important spiritual principles. In order to ensure the perpetuation of Jewish life, even in exile, it is necessary to establish a Torah-based center to spiritually provide for the Jewish population. This principle has been demonstrated repeatedly throughout history. Second, the center must be an intrinsic part of the community (in Hebrew, yeshiva and yishuv (community) are closely linked). Torah that is divorced from the needs of the community loses much of its effect as a "Torah of life." Connection to the nation is a basis of spirituality. It is self-evident that it is not possible to influence a broad cross section of society without taking part in helping protect that society (Based on this, Rav Yisraeli decided that only those who have served in the army are eligible to be avrechim at Eretz Hemdah.)
May our hopeful success in fostering unity help us finally emerge victorious in our just war against horrible perpetrators.
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.