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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Chukat
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Yehudah ben Hadasah Hinde Malkah
Rashi’s grandson, the Rashbam, understands these introductory words as connected to the ensuing discussion of the general laws of impurity involving the deceased, which is introduced by the words, "this is the Torah." Thus, the opening of the parasha is not a statement that sheds light on our view of the rest of the Torah.
The Ohr Hachayim understands that chuka is specifically related to the Torah as a whole (like Rashi) but that it does shed light on it in the following way. His kabbalisticly based explanation posits that the laws of impurity became necessary because we accepted the Torah. The higher spiritual level that comes from the Torah makes us more vulnerable to the effects of impurity. Forces try to disrupt our souls, which are more sensitive because of our connection to the Torah.
The Sefat Emet brings an idea that stems from a different approach to the root chakoh. This can mean engraved, as indeed the Torah is supposed to be engraved upon our hearts. There should be permanence and depth to our connection to the Torah, as Shamai said: "Make your Torah permanent" (Avot 1:15). The factor that constantly guides our actions first and foremost should be Torah. It is not that Shamai is telling us not to be involved in the "way of the world" (normal human activities). Rather, even when we are involved in worldly activities, the Torah that is engraved upon our hearts should be dominant in our decision making.
The midrash (P’sikta Rabbati 14) says that the para aduma is connected to the hachanasat orchim (welcoming of guests) that Avraham carried out. Avraham brought water for the angels to wash their feet and ran to the cattle. So too the purification of Avraham’s children comes from putting ashes from a cow into water and having it sprinkled on them.
Let us connect the idea of the midrash with that of the Sefat Emet, arriving at the following. Shamai continues, after discussing the permanence of Torah, by saying that you should greet everyone with an inviting face. Shamai demands that we should greet guests like Avraham. In this way, we make all parts of our life connected to Torah in the fullest sense, not only studying lofty principles, but also applying them in a warm and graceful manner, promising little and providing a lot.
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.