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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 (48)
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.
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: Addresses to Students at Kfar Haroeh (1942, 1944)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 238
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 137
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
