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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Tzav
unable to perform the Temple rituals and instead use prayer as a substitute.
However, what is in store, speedily and in our days, when the glory will be
restored?
The Midrash (V.R. 9:7) states that "in the ‘future’ all of the sacrifices will be
annulled, however the thanksgiving offering (korban todah) will not be annulled."
The Redak (1160-1235) explains that in the era of Moshiach men will no longer
succumb to sin, so the only remaining function for a sacrifice will be to thank and
praise Hashem for the miracles He performs.
Rashi (Vayikra 7:12) brings four examples of when one would bring the korban
todah: upon returning from an oversea journey, after crossing a desert, after
being released from captivity and after recuperating from an illness.
Metaphorically, the Jewish People in exile experience each of these constantly.
They experience a sea of troubles. They live in a spiritual wasteland, devoid of the
values of the torah. Often, they are persecuted and discriminated against, virtual
prisoners within their respective societies. Finally, their estrangement from
Hashem is symptomatic of emotional sickness ("cholat ahava," Song of Songs
2:5).
Living in Israel may not allow us to bring the korban todah, yet. However, it
certainly gives us ample reason to thank Hashem for delivering us from the
greatest severities of exile, from all four categories. If the animal sacrifices
themselves were viewed as a surrogate for the person, perhaps today’s olim can
be viewed as living/breathing korbanot todah...at least until we can repay our
obligation at the restored Temple!
Rabbi Steven Ettinger lives with his family in Hashmonaim, having made aliyah
from Detroit. He practices international tax for KPMG in Tel Aviv. He is also the
author of two books: Torah 24/7 and Connecting the Dates from Devorah
Publishing.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.