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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tetze
Our rabbis have commented that the first issue raised in the parsha regarding war with our enemies refers not only to a struggle with foreign physical and national enemies but it also deals with the inner struggles that face each and every one of us on a daily basis.The parsha of Ki Teitezeh invariably falls in the month of Elul - the month of introspection and self-assessment. It is difficult to gain a perspective on the general picture of Jewish life and its meaning and mission as a people if one does not have some idea as to where he or she fits into the grand picture and immortal story. And mitzvot and halacha are the keys to arrive at such an understanding of one's Jewish self. The Torah indicates that is in reality a never ending struggle in which we are engaged - the struggle within ourselves against destrructive temptations and foolish decisions. Just as the national struggles of the Jewish people against its enemies seemingly never abate, so too is our inner war within ourselves a continuing battle with all of the ups and downs invariably associated with such a long and wearing struggle. And as we all know the devil in life is always in the details, Moshe emphasizes to us the details of mitzvot and halacha - of all Jewish life generally in this parsha. I believe that therefore this week's parsha of Ki Teitzeh is especially worthy of our study and inculcation into our daily lives.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
