YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Moreshet Shaul
There are other factors that reinforce this perception, and the first applies to those who previously learned in a yeshiva. Since in yeshivot the main focus is on the study of gemara, which is intended to fully occupy his mind, the study of Chumash is seen as something that unscholarly people do, and therefore not a worthwhile topic. Yeshiva students like to say that if you do not remember the location of a certain gemara, find it in the K’tzot Hachoshen, and if you want to find a pasuk, look at the gemara that quotes it. The Volozhin Yeshiva was unique, as the Netziv would regularly learn the weekly portion with the students. In other yeshivot, though, they would look with disapproval on the student who would be careful about the practice of reading the weekly Torah text twice and the Aramaic translation once. Those members of the moshav who were yeshiva students, even if their youthful passion for study of gemara has mainly dissipated, their disregard for the study of Chumash was preserved. This occurs despite the fact that now they are indeed unscholarly (which they seem to forget), so that [even according to their misconceptions], study of the portion of the week is the necessary basis of their study.
In order to learn a page of gemara one needs a clear mind and enough time to allow the absorption of the topics’ give and take. Also, most of the topics found therein are far from practical questions that regularly arise. In contrast, regarding the study of Chumash, any length of time can be taken advantage of, and it provides ideas, a philosophy of life, ethics, and belief in Hashem, even within small sections – even one pasuk and sometimes one word.
What Should a Soldier Study in his Free Time?
Moreshet Shaul (45)
Various Rabbis
42 - MORESHET SHAUL: OVERVIEW OF THE RAMBAM’S APPROACH
43 - MORESHET SHAUL: THE STUDY OF CHUMASH
44 - MORESHET SHAUL: REGULATION OF LAND RIGHTS IN A SETTLEMENT EXTENSION – PART I
Load More
It is difficult to speak of preferences. It is not possible to suggest a plan of "this is what you should learn." The major rule is: "One should always study Torah from the place that appeals to him" (see Avoda Zara 19a). The study thus is first and foremost dependent on each individual’s tastes. There are those who are most attracted to a page of gemara; another person is interested by contemplating a topic in Jewish Philosophy; a third prefers a chapter in a book of ethics. It need not be fixed, and it is possible that the next day the choice will change. In any case, we should leave the choice in his hand – based on his calculations and personal preferences.
The above applies to soldiers who have a level of Torah scholarship that enables them to study where they desire. For others, who are taking their first steps on the road of religious studies, it is proper to offer them the study of relevant practical Halacha melded together with Torah study, for one is not possible without the other.
"Study is great, for it leads to actions" (Kiddushin 40b). Action is incomplete without study. Therefore, one must first study all of the basic principles of Halacha, while at the same time search for their roots, in a manner of Torah study that leads to action.
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: Members of the Nation Who Are in The Fields
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 95 (from 1942)
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 137
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Connection between Talmid Chacham and Am Ha’aretz
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 665
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.