YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Yitro
Netivot Shalom asks why the matter of fear is stressed at this momentous time, considering that love of Hashem is a higher level. The same question arises in regard to the commandment not to forget the revelation at Sinai ... "that you shall learn to fear Me" (Devarim 4:10).
The Netivot Shalom answers that although love of Hashem represents the higher level, the first stage in man’s relationship with Hashem is through fear. (Of course, fear is not limited to fear of punishment but very much includes awe.) As the famous pasuk says, "the beginning of wisdom is fear of Hashem" (Tehillim 111:10). This idea is often lost on people in an era of freedoms, but some relationships need a basis of deep respect to the point of fear or awe to thrive. There is no more loving relationship than the one between parents and children. Yet, when the navi told the story of the mini-revolt of David’s son, Adoniyahu, he introduced it with the following veiled criticism of David. "He [David] had never saddened him [Adoniyahu] by saying, ‘Why did you do such?’" (Melachim I, 1:7). Only after the relationship is set so that the participants’ relative positions are clear can one focus on building closeness and love without abuses.
Let us return to the first reason for the awesome revelation (l’nasot). Rashi relates it to a nes, meaning a banner. In this case, Hashem used it to display Bnei Yisrael’s greatness, by honoring them to see His Presence. The Rambam says that it is related to nisayon in the manner of a test. Now that Bnei Yisrael were fortified with an experience that entrenched awe of Hashem within the national psyche, they were ready to be tested in various ways. The Ramban also focuses on the term nisayon but takes it in a different direction- having experience (as in Modern Hebrew). The Ramban explains that because of the exposure to Hashem, the nation would be used to the spiritual heights that would be the foundation of a life of sanctity.
Bnei Yisrael did not stay at Sinai but had to move on to new challenges. However, nationally, they received there the "shot in the arm" to keep them honest in their belief and their resolve to maintain their spirituality. It is, likewise, important for the individual to have times and experiences that help form a healthy approach to avodat Hashem. May these formative events always be positive ones, as our forefathers experienced at Sinai, and not require harsh lessons, such as those gained during the preceding slavery.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
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.
