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Beit Midrash
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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.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
