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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 (48)
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: Character Refinement – part V
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
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 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.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
