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Beit Midrash
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We find in the beginning of our parasha (Shemot 6:6-7) "four languages of liberation." They are not synonyms, as each relates to a different element and has its owns importance. Hashem did not suffice with ceasing the abuses of the Egyptians as slave drivers, but promised to totally relieve them of work on behalf of the Egyptians. That was not enough, and therefore he promised them geula and becoming His nation.
Actually, not all of Bnei Yisrael clearly saw all of the Exodus as being crucial. Realize that the whole matter of enslavement became necessary because "the land was filled with them" (ibid. 1:7). This pasuk hints at the fact that Jews could be found everywhere in Egypt, including the theaters and all the public places of the land (Tanchuma, Shemot 6:6). They felt quite at home in what was supposed to be a foreign land. Although Yaakov worked hard to inculcate in the minds of his family that they were just guests there and Yosef worked to have them settle in an isolated location, Bnei Yisrael breached the boundaries.
They actually wanted to be like the Egyptians. The exile found favor in the eyes of quite a few, and they tried to be involved in Egyptian national life. Even after the painful period of enslavement, many would have been satisfied to be removed from the slavery but stay in Egypt. They would have passed on the plan to have independent national life. They would have stayed in Paroh’s land, even when the time of liberation came, if not for the strong hand expelling them from it.
Therefore, it was necessary to have an event to at least weaken Bnei Yisrael’s close connection to exile. It had to shake their confidence in what was actually a temporary period of quiet. They had to see what other nations were capable of doing to them.
It is also possible that all of this was necessary to actualize the giving of the Torah. Even after being removed from Egypt, Bnei Yisrael could have copied the characteristics of Egyptian society and implemented them for themselves. Therefore, it was necessary to show the people the true face of Egypt. If at one point, earlier in the family’s stay in Egypt, it was possible to excuse Paroh and explain that he just did not want these immigrants in his land, it became clear that this was not true, as he did not allow them to leave. The people learned what Egypt was really about, and that it was not smart to stay or to adopt Egyptian culture but rather to go to Sinai and accept the Torah.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.