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Beit Midrash
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The students of the Gra reminded us about this marriage between the two beloveds described in Shir Hashirim. The "couple" is to live in Yerushalayim on high, while in Yerushalayim in this world there is a makom (place) that Hashem will choose as an abode for His presence that Israel can seek out (see Devarim 12:5). The "makom", which is also a term used for Hashem, is the point of connection between the two Yerushalayims, as David learned when he saw the fearful angel of Hashem suspended between heaven and earth (Divrei Hayamim I, 21:16).
The Nation of Israel, in its ethereal form, already married Hashem while in the desert at the completion of sefirat ha’omer. In fact, the students of the Gra pointed out that the following three concepts share the same gematria: Knesset Yisrael, Yerushalayim Shel Ma’ala, and Sefirat Ha’omer. If so, the most appropriate time for weddings would be the momentous days of sefirat ha’omer, and yet this is a time that we do not allow weddings. We will explain after three introductory points:
1. Sefirat ha’omer is connected to Shabbat. In describing the counting’s beginning and duration, the Torah invokes the term Shabbat multiple times, including surprising usages (see Vayikra 23:15). 2. The famous poem Lecha Dodi talks about going out to greet the bride and greeting Shabbat. Is it a song about weddings or Shabbat?! 3. During the sefira, we mourn the death of R. Akiva’s students, who did not treat each other properly. This is surprising considering that R. Akiva uniquely stressed the centrality of treating others properly!
We suggest as follows. From the Exodus until the giving of the Torah, there was a marriage process between Hashem and Knesset Yisrael, bringing us back to the situation of Adam before his sin. The Golden Calf lowered us – the continuation of the wedding was delayed until the End of Days – the day that is fully Shabbat and menucha (see Tamid 7:4). So sefira starts after Shabbat and creates seven Shabbat cycles, until the groom and bride can reunite, as can the different Yerushalayims. In the meantime, though, the sefirat ha’omer period is incomplete. It was even impossible to plan publicly for the future marriage, because the Roman subjugators would have stepped in to put it down. Only 500 years ago, did the Tzfat Kabbalists sneak in the song of yearning for the wedding under the guise of "only" singing about Shabbat. It is therefore appropriate that we sing Lecha Dodi on Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim and that we allow weddings on these two special days.
As we celebrate Yerushalayim Unification Day, so may we look forward to the next stage of unifying Yerushalayim – that from above with that from below.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.