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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
Introductory Source: Hashem said to Israel: My sons, I consider it as if today you came into being before Me, as if I created you today as a new creature (Vayikra Rabba 29:12).
During the month of preparation (Elul), between the end of one year and the beginning of another, between sunset and sunrise, we look to the horizon for new ideas and renewals, which is the goal of the holy days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. During Rosh Hashana’s prayers, we will declare that "this is the day of the beginning of Your creations," and with the sound of the shofar we will raise [the memory of] and give life to the great occasion when we merited [to experience when we received the Torah, as] we took our first steps in an "unsown land." We request and pray that we will once again experience Hashem’s appearance in all the splendor of His Kingdom, in a manner that "all the world’s evil will all cease like smoke." We hope that this year will bring prominently the "redemption of our souls" (the coming of Mashiach).
However, we should remember that in order to be fit for "as if I created you today as a new creature," we need to act as if "today you came into being before Me." We need to initiate inspiration in order to merit divinely provided inspiration. In order that He shall open up for us an opening like that of a great hall, we need to at least open up an opening like the eye of a needle.
There are two "burning issues" that stand before the Jewish community and rabbis wherever they may be. The rabbis are the ones who bear the communal responsibility, as the Rabbis said (Sifrei, Devarim 13) on the words "va’asimem b’rosheichem" (I will place them as heads over you – Devarim 1:13) – we read it as if it says "va’ashamam b’rosheichem" (the [people’s] faults are on your (the leaders’) heads).
Moreshet Shaul (45)
Various Rabbis
38 - Moreshet Shaul: Jewish Philosophy in Daily Life
39 - MORESHET SHAUL: TWO ELEMENTS TO WORK ON – PART I
40 - MORESHET SHAUL: TWO ELEMENTS TO WORK ON – PART II
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It is clear, as those who calculate these matters have said, that when Jews distance themselves from a Jewish lifestyle, which is the heart of the process of spiritual assimilation, it naturally brings on intermarriage with the nations who allow the Jews to live in prosperity. This is the stranglehold for the remnants of the Jewish community that Hashem left for us from the horrible Holocaust. That which the hated enemy did not succeed in destroying, our nation is doing to itself.
It has been proven without a doubt that when homes lack Torah, or Shabbat, or kashrut – when there are no tzitzit and no tefillin – the home becomes exposed from its sides (i.e., vulnerable). Then, it is impossible to survive as a separate national entity within a sea of a foreign nation.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Returning Torah to its Central Standing – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 168
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part III
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
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.
