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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Sefirat Haomer
- The Meaning Sefirat Ha'omer
- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Middot - Character Traits
- Personality Development
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
R. Meir b"r Yechezkel Shraga Brachfeld
Nevertheless, because of the severity of their behavior, the lives of so many students were lost. Every individual is obligated to show respect for other human beings, to honoring one's fellow and friend. This becomes all the more true when it comes to Torah scholars. They are, on the one hand, most deserving of honor, while at the same time carry a greater obligation to honor others. The Sages of the Talmud teach that the Almighty scrutinizes the actions of his pious ones to the degree of a hairbreadth. Showing respect for other human beings, honoring one's fellow and friend - these are not trivial matters. This sort of behavior is not just some polite outer adorning. It possesses very significant value.
The Talmud relates that when Rabbi Eliezer fell ill, his disciples came to visit him. They said to him, "Rabbi, teach us the correct manner of living so that we merit entering the World to Come." He replied, "Make sure to show respect for others, prevent your sons from excessive review of the scripture, seat them between the knees of Torah scholars, and when you pray, know before whom you stand; follow this advice and you will merit entering the Word to Come" (Berachot 28b). Sensitivity towards others, then, is one of the behavior traits through which a person comes to merit a portion in the World to Come.
In this respect the Sages taught: "One who embarrasses another person in public has no portion in the World to Come." Man was created in the image of God, and may therefore enter the Word to Come. It is because he possesses a lofty and Divine soul that man is granted a portion in the lofty and Divine World to Come. Yet, one who embarrasses another in public abases the Divinity in man. Such a person loses his own Divine image, thereby forfeiting his portion in the World to Come. On the other hand, one who is careful about honoring his fellow, demonstrates that he appreciates and recognizes man's worth and distinction; demonstrates that he is sensitive to the image of God in man. This recognition finds expression in the honor that he displays towards his fellow. It assures him a portion in the World to Come.
The students of Rabbi Akiva did not show respect for one another; they did not display honor towards the Divine image in man; neither did they display honor towards the Torah. Therefore, they met a bitter death: diphtheria - a type of sickness that hints at the underlying reason for their fate. During these days - the days of the counting of the Omer, days of preparation for Shavuot, the Holiday of the giving of the Torah - our efforts must center on the perfection of our character traits, a necessary condition for receiving the Torah. Let us hope and pray that a "spirit of purity rest upon our camp," and that a feeling of unity make itself felt, especially between students of Torah, causing us to search out the good in others and not their shortcomings. Let us, with this newly awakened sense of unity, go forth to receive the Torah.
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Glossary:
Torah - the Five Books of Moses
Talmud - The voluminous embodiment of the Oral Torah. Basis of Jewish law and philosophy.
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.