YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Lech Lecha
Where exactly was the altar upon which Avraham put Yitzchak? The place would become known to us only at the time of David, as the place where the Beit Hamikdash would stand. The connection between the location of the Beit Hamikdash and Avraham’s Mt. Moriah is reported only in the context of Shlomo’s construction efforts (Divrei Hayamim II, 3:1). Looking back, Avraham had indeed seen that this would be a mountain dedicated to interaction with Hashem (Bereishit 22:14).
The first Lech lecha was Avraham’s first test, and the second one was his tenth and last test. This process shows the trajectory of his life work, which we will express as follows. The goal of Avraham’s going to Eretz Yisrael was to reach the "top of the mountain" (Moriah) where he would be challenged by the greatest test so that his descendants would be able to see and be seen by Hashem in that place where Hashem’s presence dwells. His descendants would form a special nation, qualitatively closest to Hashem (see Shemot 33:16).
We will now see several similarities between the depiction of Akeidat Yitzchak and the choosing of that same spot to build the Beit Hamikdash. 1) In both events, the "hero" (Avraham and David) builds an altar and offers a burnt offering (see Bereishit 22: 9, 13; Divrei Hayamim I, 21:26). 2) Hashem decides where the altar is to be built. 3) An angel from the Heavens communicates with the leader (Bereishit 22:11; Divrei Hayamim I, 21:16). 4) It is stressed that both of them acted in the morning (Bereishit 22:3; Shmuel II, 24:11). 5) Both events are connected to a day #3 (Bereishit 22:4; Divrei Hayamim I, 21:12).
All of the connections point to the following lesson. In the times of David, a process was culminated that had begun in the period of the forefathers, when Avraham entered the Land and paved the way, through "the actions of the forefathers are a sign for the offspring." This path brought us the Nation of Israel and its establishment in Eretz Yisrael.
Avraham lived in the Land (Bereishit 23:4), and prepared the turf for the fulfilling of the beracha he received – "I shall make you a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing" (ibid. 12:2-3). The goal is that Am Yisrael will establish an independent state in Eretz Yisrael that will be a light for the nations of the world. This state shall have an army to protect its independence, and significant parts of its citizens will be like Avraham’s disciples – those who learn Torah and also fight with valor – as well as like the students of David, who were gentle in the study halls and as hard as a tree on the battlefield (see Moed Katan 16b about Adino Ha’etzni). Such students will merit to build the Beit Hamikdash, in which the prayers of Israel will be heard (see Melachim I, 8:32).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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