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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
From the closing of the symposium:
One of the six matters the Torah commands us to remember is the giving of the Torah. It is a wonder that not a word is written in this context about the Torah itself, but just the special way in which it was given – "the day you stood before Hashem at Horeb" (Devarim 4:10). The truth is that not much Torah content was transmitted that day, as they heard only two of the Ten Commandments directly from Hashem. In truth, though, the very fact that they heard something from Hashem caused every element of it to be engraved on the heart of every Jew. This is the main thing, and actually it is everything. It created a special link between man and his Maker, and everything else is but details, in comparison.
The events at Sinai created a new reality for the spirit of the people. Hashem opened a wide opening after we were purified. If the opening was already opened, then clearly it is no longer difficult to go in. The difficult thing is creating the opening. Periodically there are "Sinaitic-type events," and every year we experience them. [This is especially so] in the days when there was a Beit Hamikdash, which is described as "the place that Hashem will choose." When one made the pilgrimage to the Mikdash, he would see a new light, and all the laws of the Torah, which during the course of the year became part of his routine, were renewed and became brighter. The Rabbis describe the renewal, "as happy as when they were given at Sinai" (see Shir Hashirim Rabba 1:10).
This phenomenon still exists today – in the study halls, which take the place of the Temple. About them as well (in addition to synagogues) we should apply, "I will make desolate your sanctuaries" (Vayikra 26:31), about which the Rabbis derive that even when they are desolate, they will maintain their sanctity (Megilla 28a), all the more so when they are intact. I do not know how much [one has to learn in the study hall,] and perhaps this is not such a new idea, but it is a different type of study – study that comes from a special event, which can be compared to the giving of the Torah.
An element of the pilgrimage to the Mikdash was to sleep over – to digest the impressions and protect them in his memory. We must do the same in our gathering. I conclude with the promise that a divine voice gave to those who brought the first fruit to the Temple: "So shall you do again next year" (Tanchuma, Ki Tavo 2). It is my blessing and my hope, that we will see each other next year if not earlier, so that we can spend more time sanctifying ourselves. May the light of Torah end the fire of the great destruction (ed. note – the Holocaust, which was then going on), and we shall merit the light of Mashiach.
Moreshet Shaul (45)
Various Rabbis
12 - Moreshet Shaul: With Sason, Not for Sason
13 - Moreshet Shaul: To Learn and to Be Happy – part II
14 - Moreshet Shaul: Inability to Pass on Abandoned Tradition – part I
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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: Inability to Pass on Abandoned Tradition – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 733 (1937)
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Addresses to Students at Kfar Haroeh (1942, 1944)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 238
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
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.
