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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
In light of the confusion among the public, especially regarding the youth in Israel, about how to view the non-Jewish population [in Israel], it is proper that rabbis should dedicate significant thought to clarifying the matter from the perspective of Jewish Philosophy. There is a need to set a "golden mean" on the matter. On the one hand, distance should be drawn between Israel, the chosen nation, who are "sons to Hashem," which places upon them special obligations, which are as least as great as the privileges, [and the gentile communities]. On the other hand, there is a need to act with respect and appreciation toward [non-Jewish] neighbors, who, when they act properly toward us, have the right to be treated with the respect due to those who deserve it because they were created in the image of Hashem. This concept finds expression in the halacha of ger toshav (a non-Jew who does not convert to Judaism but formally accepts certain precepts and enjoys limited rights within the Jewish community; the halachic construct does not exist in our times); we are commanded to help them live and thrive.
The religious community in Israel was once again put to the test in the elections for the Knesset, which was forced upon us before its set time, and unfortunately, we did not succeed. Our public representatives appeared divided and lacking the proper standing, and they did not succeed in drawing all those who attend batei knesset. We are embarrassed and ashamed as a group, when the clear majority of our populace rallied around parties who do not include the "name of Heaven" on their banners. The religious parties are thus relegated to appearing as satellites, dependent on the good will of the big parties. It is particularly upsetting and tormenting that the stature of the Religious Zionist community has deteriorated. Why has it dropped drastically? After all, the idea that exists at the foundation of religious Zionism is the one that was triumphant in practice, and the infrastructure of all that exists from a religious perspective is the fruit of the investment and the toil of this group. So why has the circle of its adherents dwindled?
Also, what is the reason that some, including important people within our segment of society, have decided to appear politically separately from the rest? They did not succeed as they imagined they might, but did "succeed" in increasing the fragmentation of the "camp"? Why did we not come up with the internal strength to overcome this evil inclination to fragmentize at a time like this, when the holiest values of Judaism are in danger?
All of these are piercing questions. Perhaps these upcoming days of teshuva (the month of Elul and the High Holy Days), with their special prayers, and the dawning of a new year, will help us shake off all the dust and dirt that has clung to us. May we return to the "reliable approach" of adding to the honor of Hashem and returning the crown to its past glory. May we be written and inscribed all together for a good and successful year, a year in which the stature of Israel and the Torah will be raised in the Land that makes us special and is our glory.
Moreshet Shaul (45)
Various Rabbis
41 - MORESHET SHAUL: TWO ELEMENTS TO WORK ON – PART III
42 - MORESHET SHAUL: OVERVIEW OF THE RAMBAM’S APPROACH
43 - MORESHET SHAUL: THE STUDY OF CHUMASH
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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 III
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 704
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.