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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Chayei Sara
The number that opens our parasha is, again, 127. A similarly phrased pasuk at the end of the parasha gives the years of Yishmael’s life as 137. This number appears twice in Parashat Vaeira as the years of the lives of Moshe’s forebears, Levi and Amram, which is a strong indication that the number is significant. Explaining the connection will help us answer our question.
The Jewish doctor, poet, and philosopher, R. Yedaya Hapenini Habadrashi made an enigmatic statement: "The point of knowledge is that we should not know." While many quoted and agreed with him, we must ask how lack of knowledge can be the point of knowledge?
Let us compare the goals of Torah study and of study of science. A scientist wants to understand as much as possible, especially the principles, and come up with a formula that gives the correct answer for each test case. If the results of the test cases do not work out with the principles, he knows that some knowledge is missing, and he must continue his work. It would seem there is no way to bridge the gap between these fields – Torah values lack of knowledge, whereas science values only knowledge.
Around 100 years ago, science began identifying areas in which it is impossible to apply standard physical equations. For one, it is now accepted that we can never know an electron’s location or momentum. Second, we will probably not succeed in incorporating into one system of formulas the four forces that operate in nature: gravitational force, electrical-electromagnetic force, weak atomic force, and strong atomic force. A third example: apparently, we will not succeed in knowing and defining the universe in all its parts and their locations, in relation to a specific point.
There is also a group of scientists who have accepted R. Yedaya’s thesis that a transcendental being exists outside the physical world, which controls the happenings in the world. While they do not believe in Hashem, it is a historical step forward. One cause is the realization that human conception is limited. Another is the discovery of constants without which the world could not exist as it does.
One important constant is the number 1/137 (called, the fine structure constant), which relates to the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between elementary charged particles. The importance of this constant was studied by two Jews, Arnold Sommerfeld and Wolfgang Pauli, the latter of which started learning Kabbala when he learned that its gematria is 137.
I would suggest that these developments are part of the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecies that the whole world will eventually accept Hashem’s dominion.
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
