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Beit Midrash
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- Berachot - Blessings
Judaism is a matter of proper values and balance in life. Therefore any overt and extreme reliance on blessings of humans, no matter how great and holy the blessng personage may be, is contrary to the balanced view of life that Torah preaches. A man once approached the veneravble and sainted Chafetz Chaim, Rabbi Yusreal Meir Kagan, and asked him for a blessing that a certain venture upon which he was embarking succeed. The Chafetz Chaim said to him: "I don't understand your logic in this matter of asking me for a blessing. It is analagous to one pauper asking another poverty stricken person for a generous donation. Why don't you ask the one most wealthy of all (the Lord) directly for His donation and blessing?" Judaism always feared the introduction of intermediaries between God and humans. One may certainly ask for a blessing from a holy person (or any other person for that matter) but that is a matter of good will and not one of certainty. Though in the words of the Talmud the righteous can command and Heaven fulfills that command, nevertheless it is only God's blessings that so to speak are reliable without doubt or exception. Judaism demands that one come to terms, so to speak, with Godc and not to substitute humans for the neceesary relationship with God. Rambam posits that this was the basic beginning fundamental error of paganism and idolatry. The original star worshippers knew there was a God but thought that the way to worship that God was by worshipping what He had created. Judaism affords no room for any types of intermediaries.
Blessings administered by humans create a more serene atmosphere in human society. Harsh words and bitter statements poison our society. The rabbis of the Mishna and the Talmud admonished all to greet others, Jews ande non-Jews alike, with pleasant countenace and words of blessing. The universal and ubiquitous Jewish greeting of "shalom aleichem" - peace be unto you - is one of our most ancient forms of blessing. Thus giving or receiving words of blessing from one human being to anoither is itself a blessing to those involved and to society generally. It matters little if the actual words of blessing are truly fulfilled and enacted in one' s life. It matters greatly that such words of blessing are uttered with true intent and conviction. We have an idiom that is common in the English language that reflects this truism. When we meet someone we inquire of that person "What is the good word?" The "good word" is always one of blessing, assurance and hope. So it is obvious that blessings and words of blessing are truly important in our personal and general lives. That is why the Jewish New Year is always ushered in with sincere words of blessing between one another. And so may it continue to be
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.
