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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
יעקב בן בכורה
Moshe’s prayer after cheit ha’egel came at a time when Bnei Yisrael’s relationship to Hashem can be compared to that of a bride and groom when the groom cancels the wedding. The midrash compares the breaking of the tablets to the tearing of a marriage contract in order to protect the bride who was unfaithful from being judged as a married woman (Shmot Rabba 43). The aim of Moshe’s subsequent prayer was to try to renew the marriage between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. On Yom Kippur, Hashem declared, "salachti" (I forgive you), signifying the return to the status of bride and groom. Both the story of Moshe and Tehillim 27 speak of being encased in sukka. In Tanach, this can refer to entering under the marriage canopy (as is implied in Yeshaya 4:5-6). Indeed, the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are sanctified as days to prepare and return to Hashem in order to renew Bnei Yisrael’s marriage to the Holy One Blessed be He.
According to this, we can understand why it could be deemed inappropriate to be busy preparing for a personal, marriage ceremony between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. This time is sanctified as a time to work on our connection with Hashem and our "communal canopy" and not a time to worry about our personal, wedding arrangements. Along these lines, we can show an added significance in reading the last perek of Hoshea on Shabbat Shuva. This perek uses terminology that is uniquely reminiscent of Shir Hashirim ("I shall be like the dew to Israel, it will blossom like a rose and strike its roots like the (forest of) Lebanon. Its tender branches will spread... Tranquil will be those who sit in its shade, they will refresh themselves like grain and blossom like the grapevine ..." (Hoshea 14:,6-8). Indeed both describe Hashem’s relationship with Bnei Yisrael as that of a young couple in love. These psukim are read on Shabbat Shuva to remind us to focus on Israel’s relationship with her Beloved.
Let us pray that during this time we too will find favor in Hashem’s eyes, and will merit returning to the status of being face to face with Hashem.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts