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Beit Midrash
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- Rain in Israel
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Rabbi Uzi Kalchaim, zt"l
1. It can be seen as relating to the manner in which it falls, "with might, so that the drops penetrate the soil and saturate it."
2. From the perspective of its purpose. "Rainfall is most beneficial," for it sustains creation (Rambam, Mishnah Commentary, Berakhot 5:2).
Rain in Israel (17)
Rabbi Uzi Kalchaim zt"l
10 - The "Malkosh" - Last Rains
11 - The Might of Rain
12 - Rain...and the Coin in One's Pocket
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4. In the sense of "din," strict judgment, indicating the restriction of rainfall to its season (Shem Mishmuel, Shmini Atzeret).
5. The bounty that descends through God's kindness. Rain falls in a form that allows us to benefit from it immediately, like the manna, which fell complete and ready for consumption (Shem Mishmuel, ibid.).
6. The word "gevura," might, is encompassing and inclusive; it indicates both might and greatness (Tosafot, Taanit 2a, s.v., "Ukhtiv").
The Midrash relates: "The might of rain is difficult - it weighs equal to the entire act of creation" (Bereshit Rabba 13:4). That which completes an act is comparable to the act itself. The world is sustained through rain, and it follows that rain weighs equal to the creation of the world.
The expression "difficult," though, is puzzling. What is so "difficult" here? We find this expression used elsewhere in the Talmud, in another context: "It is as difficult to match them as it is to separate the Red Sea" (Sanhedrin 22a), and "Providing sustenance for human beings is as difficult as separating the Red Sea" (Pesachim 118a).
The expression "difficult" is used to underscore important matters, so that they not be taken for granted as a fact of nature. Because rainfall is not an inevitable fact of nature, Divine intervention is called for, and this is what is meant by "difficult."
Indeed, we find another version of this teaching elsewhere in the Talmud: "The day of rainfall is as great as the day on which heaven and earth were created" (Taanit 7a). The sages liken rain to the creation of the world: Just as the expression "gevura" is used in relation to the creation of the world, so is it used in relation to rainfall.
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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.