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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
A special element of our service of Hashem in this period is the saying of Selichot, which revolve around the recitation of the Yud Gimmel Middot, the thirteen attributes of Hashem, which serves to bring us success in our prayers. These attributes begin with the repetition of Hashem’s main Name. Note that the first (after the name of the author, David) and last words of L’David are Hashem’s Name. This Name is the classic expression of Hashem’s attribute of mercy. The gemara (Rosh Hashana 17b) says that the doubling of the Name indicates that Hashem relates to us in this merciful way both before and after possible sin. To strengthen the connection between L’David and the Yud Gimmel Middot we mention that Hashem’s Name appears in the mizmor exactly thirteen times.
The pasuk from L’David, "For He shall hide me in His booth (sukko) on a bad day, He will conceal me in His tent, in a rock (tzur) He will raise me up" contains two hints to a lofty event. Hashem taught Moshe the secret of reciting the thirteen attributes and its great power at the time that He placed Moshe in a tzur and covered him (sakkoti) with "His Hand"(Shemot 33:22). David, in his time of troubles, also turned to Hashem with the request of mercy. He was aware that the small crevice in the rock was the only opening to attain life in an unconstrained manner.
The thirteen attributes are Hashem’s answer to Moshe Rabbeinu’s request to show him His Glory. Hashem told Moshe that it is impossible to see His face but that He would call out His Name and would have mercy for whom it is possible to have mercy. What is it that Moshe wanted to receive and was unable to? In our mizmor, David says: "To You my heart said: ‘Seek out My face.’ Your face, Hashem, I shall seek" (ibid.:8). Although Hashem said that we are not able to see His face, still it is permitted and necessary to seek it. David has an answer to the problem. "...I believed that I could see Hashem’s goodness in the land of life" (ibid.:13). Here and now, we cannot see Hashem, but in the true land of life, in the world to come, it indeed is possible.
For forty days and nights Moshe Rabbeinu held "negotiations" with Hashem on matters of seeking His mercy and an intimate relationship with Him. These days were from Rosh Chodesh Elul to Yom Kippur, at which time Hashem pronounced "I have forgiven." We pray that we too will receive these good tidings.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
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.
