YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Chukat
The absence of Moshe will also strangely enough also force such a hard choice to be made. As long as Moshe is alive the Jewish people place all of their trust in him. Nothing to worry about, Moshe will save us from our enemies and even from God’s justice. Living in the desert is not so bad as long as Moshe remains with us. The manna falls from heaven in his merit and he always delivers water to us - and even meat on demand - if we complain strongly enough. Moshe’s presence amongst the Jews turns unfortunately into a hindrance for their progress in maturation and self-reliant independence. Moshe’s transgression in this week’s parsha - hitting the rock to draw forth water instead of speaking to it - may appear to be minor in our eyes, unworthy of the severe punishment meted out to him for this act. But the overall picture and the effect of Moshe on his people points to the necessity for his no longer leading the people. There are interests that weigh heavily in favor of Moshe and his continuing leadership. But there is a far-seeing and general interest of the nation as a whole that somehow overcomes Moshe’s own personal interest. Thus this week’s parsha that relates the final judgment of Moshe as seen in this type of perspective allows us a greater insight into the Torah’s lessons and policies.
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.
