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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
One can suggest that the voice just refers to the content of Hashem’s commandments. However, the midrash (Devarim Rabba 7:1) hints at a different idea: "Whoever listens to the kol of Torah in this world will merit to hear that kol of rejoicing and happiness, of groom and bride (Yirmiyah 33)." Our pasuk is brought as confirmation of this idea. The happy kol we are promised is not referring to following the content of the happiness but of experiencing the sound and the mood that accompany good times. It is also noteworthy that the midrash does not talk about the kol of Hashem but the kol of Torah. Granted, the Torah is Divine in origin and thus the content of the Torah is the content of Hashem’s Will. However, when focusing on the experience, not the content, the kol of the Torah has a somewhat different application. Notice also that Moshe stresses that which the people are being commanded "today," forty years after many of them had actually heard the voice of Hashem when He addressed them at Sinai.
These observations add weight to the Me’am Lo’ez’s (Ki Tavo 18) thesis that the midrash’s understanding of the p’sukim refers to one who listens to Torah without comprehending what he hears. The experience of just listening to the sound of Torah study creates an atmosphere that influences a person and inspires him to strive for improved observance. This idea also connects the passage in the midrash to the previous one: "Whoever enters synagogues and study halls in this world will merit to enter synagogues and study halls in the world to come." The term of entering these places seems strange, as the point should be to engage in meaningful prayer and study. This source too stresses putting oneself in the uplifting atmosphere and meriting that blessed experience in the future.
An uplifting mood and atmosphere is of limited value if it does not lead to a fulfillment of "to observe to perform all of the commandments." However, for many people the key ingredient in reaching that level of observance is not the absorption of intellectual material but connecting oneself to settings where he can feel the sanctity of the Torah that Hashem kindly gave us.
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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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.