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Beit Midrash
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We have a double celebration today – a celebration of the past and a celebration in the present. We have a holiday that celebrates the renewed inauguration of the Beit Hamikdash, well in the past. Together with that, we have a contemporary celebration of the inauguration of a rabbinic position in a location in the agricultural pioneer settlements that is built on values of purity and sanctity in Eretz Yisrael. There are common lines and united content for these two celebrations.
The mitzva of Chanuka lights is to place them on the outer side of the entrance of the house (Shabbat 21b). The mitzva to inaugurate a rabbinical position is another name for the Torah’s mitzva of appointing rabbinical judges, which is also done outside … "in all of your gateways" (Devarim 16:18). The difference is that Chanuka lights are by the entrance to the house and judges are seated near the gateway to the city. The lights of Chanuka take light from within the home and spread it to the outside, down the street and around the neighborhood. It represents the influence of the individual within society. Regarding judges, the light of justice of Israeli society, which finds expression broadly in the city and the settlement, breaks forth from city gates to the whole national, political structure. When the various lights of justice unite from their sources, it creates a special content of a Jewish state.
Moreshet Shaul (44)
Various Rabbis
4 - Moreshet Shaul: The Fundamentals of Judaism
5 - Moreshet Shaul:A Crown and its Scepter – part I
6 - Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
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The midrash says: "Hashem said: From all the nations I created, I love only Israel, as it says, ‘For Israel is a youth, and I love it’ (Hoshea 11:1). Of all that I created, I love only justice, as it says, ‘For I am Hashem, Who loves justice’ (Yeshayahu 61:8). Hashem said: I will give that which I love to the nation that I love. That is why it says, ‘Judges and officers …’ (Devarim 16:18)" (Devarim Rabba, Shoftim 5:7).
There are many nations in the world, and there are powerful states, which have many cities and gateways, but these are not our gateways. They do not have the clear definitive sign that makes our gateways what they are. They have gateways based on "Whoever is stronger will be victorious," gateways built on corruption of holy justice. Over history we have too often felt on our skin the "justice" of their courts. Only our gateways are set on law and justice. To the same extent that justice is stronger, so too the special character of that locality of the Jewish city or settlement will be stronger.
The installation of a rabbinate in one settlement is not an event that is limited to a specific person or a specific settlement. It is, rather, another step in the building of the Land that is the "house of our lives." It is another rung in the religious settlement movement and another victory for the spirit of traditional Judaism.
If we are joyful that we merited to see the establishment of the cities and settlements of the region of Judea, it is a far greater joy to see the building of settlements that carry the stamp of the holy religion. How awesome is the joy that we have merited to celebrate the founding of the settlement’s "gateways," with this appointment that Hashem bestowed upon me through you, in His great kindness.
We will continue next time.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Jewish Philosophy in Daily Life
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 250
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Inability to Pass on Abandoned Tradition – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 733 (1937)
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: The Ethics of the Torah
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 558
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.
