YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
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.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
