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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- The Four Parshiyot
- Sh'kalim
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
After determining the logic of each opinion, let us try to see the basis and lesson of the machloket. All agree that we read Parashat Shekalim because during the upcoming month, the population would give the half-shekel for public sacrifices that would be given during the new year starting with Nisan. Nowadays we continue the practice of reminding ourselves about the half-shekel and then, before Purim, give it as a reminder of the mitzva to be renewed when the Beit Hamikdash will be rebuilt. Rav says that since the need for the korbanot (and the fact that they must be bought from new donations) is stated in Pinchas, that is what should be read. Shmuel says that since the commandment to give the donation is found in Ki Tisa, that is what we read.
What is the logic behind the machloket? Rav puts the stress on the need for the donation, i.e., what it would be used for and why it had to be donated now. This could encourage compliance and help focus people on noble intentions. Shmuel, whose opinion we follow, put the stress on the importance of the donation in and of itself. Certainly, out of all of Bnei Yisrael, it should not have been a problem to find enough donations to provide the resources for the communal sacrifices. The matter was to make the most of the communal element of the practice. Firstly, the efficacy of the korbanot as engendering the sentiments of service of Hashem needed to be addressed. Secondly, as the Sefer Hachinuch (#105) points out, Hashem did a chesed with every individual Jew by allowing him to take a full part in the great service in the Beit Hamikdash. Even the richest person would not have an upper hand over the poorest in this element.
Regarding korbanot, it is important to internalize the lesson on a deep psychological level. Idol worshippers think of their gods as powerful beings that needed to be appeased with offerings they "enjoy." Believers in an all powerful and moral G-d understand that the service is an opportunity for us to connect ourselves to Him. Here we are reminded that within our nation, the responsibility to take part in seeing to it that the service can be completed is more than a responsibility but a valuable opportunity. The concept of empowerment through giving is true regarding all forms of donations, from religious ones to charity for the destitute.
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
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.