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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
A position, which is both lofty and of great responsibility, has been placed upon me. I enter into the task of fulfilling it with holy trembling. It is a miniature of the role that requires a person about whom Moshe Rabbeinu prayed: "May Hashem place [a leader to replace Moshe] … one who will go out before them and return before them" (Bamidbar 27:16-17). Moshe was referring to a person with a special spiritual side, broad vision, and the ability to elevate himself so that he not get bogged down by the daily trifles. He must be one who does not forget even for a moment the lofty goal for which he was aiming, while at the same time going out and coming back before the people. This elevation must not just be for himself but also to influence his surroundings. This is a special ability to connect to every individual, to encourage the entire congregation to elevate themselves and progress.
The position is currently particularly difficult, as it is a time of systemic breakdown and change in the manner of living, which had previously been stable for many generations. As Divine Providence made a long series of twists and turns, we find ourselves standing before the revelation of the elusive End of Days. The nation is prepared, by the tens of thousands, to return to its Homeland and dedicate itself to its soil. The nation is prepared to pour its lively lifeblood into the clear "sinews of the earth." It is prepared, even though much hatred abounds, and there are great critics of the movement. Although the "train of liberation" encounters many impediments along its path, if the path is difficult and the obstacles are large, the word of Hashem, which speaks of liberation, is stronger and harder.
Our settlement of the land comprises a special chapter in this historical movement. It places a seal of a holy religion over the national awakening. It desires to reestablish a living nation in its Land, not only so that it can be in that way a nation like other nations, but to do so as Hashem’s nation that resides in Zion. This attempt to create a life of action and work raises many questions and presents many challenges. It is life that is linked closely to the Land on the basis of a precise family tradition. The days are days of forming a mold of a settlement that can serve as a prototype for future generations; we call on this to be formed on the basis of belief in Hashem, sacrifice, and a warm spirit.
Specifically at such a time of great consequence, the responsibility that comes with this position has been thrust upon me. I find myself unable to elevate myself to the required level. We have no choice but to recall the divine response (see Rashi to Bamidbar 28:2) to Moshe’s prayer for a new leader: "Before you command Me what I need to do for My children, command My children what they need to do for Me (i.e., the daily sacrifices)."
With the flame of belief, which is drawn from the tops of mountains of old (see Devarim 33:15), we will carry in our midst the clear realization that the form of life that is built on the foundations of the Torah needs to be found. The condition for success in this Land in which Hashem’s eyes are placed (see ibid. 11:12) is that the life must be in line with His Torah. We must remember and know that the laws of the Torah are specifically those upon which we can become one with the Land. They are the way we live our lives. If we encounter difficulties and experience tribulations, we must not look to extricate ourselves by removing the yoke of the Torah, but, to the contrary, to cling to it more strongly. We need to know how to offer our sacrifice properly and thereby pass the tests. Then we can disperse the fog that conceals Hashem’s providence. Hashem’s glory will be upon us and "His arrow will emerge like lightning" (Zecharia 9:14).
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
5 - Moreshet Shaul:A Crown and its Scepter – part I
6 - Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
7 - Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part III
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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
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Jewish Philosophy in Daily Life
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 250
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 137
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 137
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Members of the Nation Who Are in The Fields
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 95 (from 1942)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
