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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
This is also the place to speak directly about the special place of the Land in the life of the nation. To speak to children [on this topic], the best time is Shabbat and the holidays, with everything that goes along with them. It is worthwhile from time to time to put the individual holiday in the full perspective and consider its impact throughout the generations. Pesach, for example, can serve as a good example. You should go over the practice of the bringing of the Pesach offering, as occurred in Egypt on the night of liberation, which they ate when they were dressed to leave on a moment’s notice. It is worthwhile to make use of the knowledge the child has amassed. You then should add to the discussion the image of the celebration of Pesach, as it took place in the Land of Israel when the Beit Hamikdash was still standing. One can compare this to the way Pesach was celebrated in Inquisition-time Spain, in cellars, and at the time of blood libels. And then finally we have Pesach as it is celebrated in our times.
This is part of the education focused on the fulfillment of mitzvot. "Cover your head, so that you will have fear of the Heavens upon you" (Shabbat 156b). It is very important that the child become accustomed to have his head covered. This is the constant symbol of accepting the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven.
There are times that people allow themselves to do things that are forbidden on Shabbat by having a child do it. Besides the fact that this is still a prohibition, it is difficult to fully appreciate how much negative influence this has on the child. He gets used to seeing himself as different from those [like his parents, who must fully keep the mitzvot]. This leads him to justify for himself to do things that are forbidden by the Torah. I heard the following tragic way of looking at things by a child: "What do people want? This is the way the world operates! My father was an outstanding Torah scholar, whereas I am not able to reach such heights! It will also not be surprising if my son will not be like me." We would want to ask such a father, if he views his son with this same indifference.
Mitzvot need to be accompanied with proper explanations. One must have very clear discussions about Hashem, reward and punishment, the World to Come, the resurrection of the dead, divine providence, and His open eyes to that which the individual and the nation are doing. Every mitzva requires its reasoning. There is a need to explain the actions we do in the performance of mitzvot as an expression of our thanks to Hashem for all the good He has done for us and for the whole Nation of Israel.
Moreshet Shaul (45)
Various Rabbis
36 - Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part IV
37 - Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part V
38 - Moreshet Shaul: Jewish Philosophy in Daily Life
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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
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.
