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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Moreshet Shaul
The older a talmid chacham (Torah scholar) becomes, the more settled his mind becomes (Kinim 3:6). The same viewpoint that started in his youth accompanies him into old age, without deviation and zigzagging, without failures and the need to repent. Rather the scholar started off on the right path and just became increasingly settled. Matters started as a first thought and then become increasingly confirmed. It starts off, "It should be correct because it must be," and it later becomes crystal clear. "And Yosef was in Egypt" (Shemot 1:5), about which the Rabbis says that he was the same Yosef in Egypt as he was in his father’s house (Shemot Rabba 1:7). Yosef in hard times and at the height of success was the same, because the truth is one and unchanging.
In this time (1985) of confused philosophies, it is good to find clear presentations, without cloudiness and doubts. [The book] answers two questions: How are we as a nation? What role does the [Zionist] movement have within the nation?
The Zionist ideology that guided the aliya to the Land from the beginning of the Zionist movement has put the stress on our cohesiveness as a nation, and as such, on our connection to the Land and everything that relates to it. Although this seems generally correct, it is unclear what the essence of this nationalism is. Are we united by our genealogical origin, and the rest is up to everyone’s free will? Are there other ways to coalesce? For example, perhaps language is critical. In Diaspora lands, we became fluent in the national language or some dialect of it, due to our having come from a different country, so we spoke some seventy languages.
Only the stubborn will deny the feeling of connection to others who are of the same origin, as a strong feeling that beats in the heart of the Jew. What else pushes a liberal American millionaire to be interested in Israel or to speak to his powerful leaders about obtaining the freedom of refuseniks in Russia? It is this connection that understandably pushes him to action.
But if this is it, is it not possible that in a generation or two this recognition will fade until it disappears totally? Ben Gurion once spoke of purpose and uniqueness, on the claim that the heart of a Jew beats with a deeper feeling of morality. But one must still ask: Does this feeling of being special give the power to willingly accept all of the difficulties the state needs to struggle with on a daily basis? What prevents the young man or woman from looking for contentment in other countries, especially those that are stable, rich, and secure?
We must add on to these questions. What is the image of our nation in its land if there is nothing constant that unites its members with our brethren in the diaspora? Consider especially that if somehow a peace treaty will be implemented, which is what we are looking forward to, will we not have intermarriage with a foreign nation? Then, there will be no unity left with the nation in the diaspora. These are thoughts that can drive us mad – it raises the possibility that the formation of the State of Israel, would not be one that solves problems, but that arouses bigger problems for our existence as a nation.
We will continue next time.
Moreshet Shaul (45)
Various Rabbis
18 - Moreshet Shaul: Connection between Talmid Chacham and Am Ha’aretz
19 - Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part I
20 - Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part II
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Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 168-170
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Fortunate is the King Who Is Thus Praised in His House
Based on Aroch Siach, Yamim Noraim p. 87
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 137
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.
