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Beit Midrash
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There is a tradition of rebellion regarding the relationship of one generation to the previous ones. Nineteenth century Eastern European Jewish life was a hotbed of youthful rebellion against the previous norms and structure of Jewish life. The secularism, assimilation and apathy of Jewish spirit that marks much of our current Jewish society are a product of this discontinuity of generations. The Holocaust was another major and tragic fraying of the bonds of Jewish generations. Willfully or by negligence, most Jews today lack the bond of generations that is so necessary for meaningful Jewish life and survival. And it is not only past generations that are missing but future ones as well. Intermarriage, approval of homosexual behavior, smaller numbers of Jewish children, rampant abortions, all combine to diminish hopes for future generations of Jews. Familial and generational disruptions in Jewish life spell disaster both for the individual and the people of Israel generally. We cannot have Judaism without Jews. So the infant great grandson that I was privileged to hold in my hands this week is really a vote of confidence in the Jewish future and in the eternity of Israel. One of the outstanding statistics that leap out at one when reading about the years immediately after the Holocaust is the large number of babies born to survivors in the years 1945 to 1948. This creation of Jewish generations under and after the worst of all conditions of human life is the supreme attestation to the eternity and resilience of the Jewish people.
Obviously, generations cannot be judged solely on the basis of quantity and numbers. The role of the individual is always paramount in Jewish life. Even when one is blessed with generations, both previous and succeeding ones, it is up to the individual himself and herself as to the future of the Jewish people. Everyone has to contribute according to one’s gifts and talents. Everyone has to feel the responsibility upon one’s self and not rely on one’s pedigree of greatness or on the projected achievements or grandchildren or great grandchildren. Every person eventually is judged by one’s own behavior and actions. Generations are important and great but are not the guarantors of success and achievement. Eisav came from Avraham and Yitzchak and Rabi Akiva came from Senchariv. The power of the individual to choose one’s course in life is never diminished. It may certainly be influenced by the concept of generations that I have discussed here but it is never wholly decided by that concept alone. I along with you pray for healthy, successful, pious generations. But they will have to earn it just as I have to do. May we all merit truly upright Jewish generations.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
