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Beit Midrash
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- Parashat Hashavua
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- Behar
Yirmiyahu underwent years of suffering and danger. Hashem did not allow him to form a family (ibid. 16:2). His neighbors tried to hurt him in different ways (ibid. 18:18, 20). He was suspected of sins, and King Yehoyakim threw him into jail. Only divine intervention saved Yirmiyahu (ibid. 36:26). Similarly, Tzidkiyahu allowed his officers to throw him into a pit, where he sank into mud (38:6), and he survived only through the intervention of a righteous officer.
Despite all of these hardships, Yirmiyahu taught his nation that there was what to be optimistic about in the long term. Members of the eternal nation should know that Hashem will not abandon His nation (see Tehillim 94:14). So, the prophet of destruction was also a prophet of liberation.
As Behar’s haftara indicates (Yirmiyahu 32: 9-15), even at a time of famine, on the eve of destruction, Yirmiyahu bought a field. The text describes the process in detail – the writing of a document, its signing, the paying of money, the preservation of the document. It then spells out that buying land in Eretz Yisrael would become prevalent because the nation would return from the upcoming exile.
Our generations have seen Eretz Yisrael transformed from a land primarily desolate from the time of the destruction of the second Beit Hamikdash, into the base for the marvelous ingathering of exiles. Hashem had us shake off the ashes of Aushwitz and form a flourishing state. Our generation has proven its dedication to the cause of rebuilding our ancestral home. Almost all have stepped forward to help on behalf of the nation and its Land, not losing hope despite the horrible blow we took on Simchat Torah 5784 and all of the brave soldiers who fell, the many who were injured, and the hostages, many of whom have still not returned home. We continue on with dedication despite the hatred of Jews that has spread throughout the world. We must follow the path of Yirmiyahu, unified with one heart, progressing step by step with belief in Hashem and confidence, strengthening and entrenching our beloved state. We are on the path to the building of a society that will do "charity and justice," as we can learn from Avraham Avinu (Bereishit 18:19), and "justice and charity," as we can learn from King David (Shmuel II, 8:15).
Rabbis in Midrash
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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