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Harav Chaim Y. Goldvicht (Asufot Ma’archot, Bereishit 6) connects this idea with the opinions of Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel regarding the beracha on light, which we recite after Shabbat. Beit Shammai’s text refers to a single light, whereas Beit Hillel’s mentions "meorei ha’eish" (the lights of the fire). The Gra (Shenot Eliyahu, Berachot, ch. 8) says that all agree about the facts. Light was created as one light, but as it is produced by man when burning fuel, it comes in different shades. The question is what type of fire we refer to when making the beracha. We accept the opinion of Beit Hillel that we bless Hashem not only for the original light but for that which we use and create on a regular basis.
Following the connection between the light and the Torah, we can see that the idea of different shades exists also in regard to berachot on the Torah. Torah Shebichtav (the Written Law) is a set text, which Hashem presented to us as is. In order to apply it to our lives, it is necessary to employ Torah Sheb’al Peh to elucidate and expand the Torah to its endless concepts and applications. We recite a blessing daily on the great gift of Torah. The gemara (Berachot 11b) brings different opinions as to what type of Torah study must be preceded by the beracha. The minimalist position is that it is only for Torah Shebichtav. However, we accept the opinion that the beracha applies to all the different forms of extrapolation from the Torah and discussions thereof.
Indeed we find in regard to some of the most important berachot that we thank Hashem not just for that which he gave us directly. Rather, we thank Him for the kernel of goodness that He gave us and enabled us to grow it into a fruit and further refine it to make it useable for us. This is the case, literally, regarding the most important berachot on food. Before and after eating bread, we thank Hashem for giving the bread. In fact, we planted the kernel, which Hashem guided to turn into many kernels of grains, and then we made the bread ourselves. The idea is that we recognize Hashem as the partner in everything we do. This follows the philosophy of Beit Hillel regarding light: that which we make with Hashem’s help, with all of its variations, is beracha¬-worthy. This is very much true regarding the special light, which Hashem hid in Torah Sheb’al Peh and commanded and enabled us to uncover.
Parashat Hashavua The Strength of His Actions He Told to His Nation
Harav Shaul Yisraeli – from Siach Shaul, pp. 6-8
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.
