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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
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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.
