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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Jacob ben Bechora
Yosef was successful in centralizing control over the country, obtaining all of the land and moving people to the cities during the food crisis. There was one exception. He was unable to acquire the pagan priests’ lands because Paroh provided for them (Bereishit 47:26). Apparently this "religious establishment" in Egypt prevented Yosef from changing the populace’s beliefs. These people, fueled by their own and their followers’ beliefs in a perceived truth, were steadfast despite the beliefs’ negative directions. We can learn from this phenomenon in regard to our nation.
One of the biggest riddles in Jewish history is how Avshalom was able to garner support against his father, David, perhaps the most successful, loved, and revered king we have known. There are no major areas where David was lacking, including the judicial system, where "he performed justice and righteousness for all his nation" (Shmuel II, 8:15). Avshalom’s plan to improve the judicial system should have been one that any child would have seen through: "Who will place me a judge in the land, so that everyone who has a quarrel will come to me and I will justify him" (Shmuel II, 15:4). What sense does that make, as both sides of a quarrel cannot win?
The navi stresses another area in which Avshalom stood out: bringing sacrifices. He asked his father special permission to bring sacrifices in Chevron. In that context it also points out that the people were strongly behind him (ibid.: 7-12). What is the connection between these things?
Let us make the following suggestion. Jerusalem was chosen as the place to build the Beit Hamikdash. He knew that when it would begin operating, it would be eternally forbidden to sacrifice elsewhere. Therefore, even during his lifetime, he withheld governmental support for the bamot (local altars) throughout the country and forbade the royal family from taking part in such enterprises. He did this to help prepare the nation for central sacrificial service of Hashem. Opposition to this movement came from two sources. First, the local religious functionaries of the bamot, which were still permitted, did not like the idea of losing their status and occupation. Also, the local populace regretted the idea of losing the opportunity for an easy manner to draw close to Hashem. In fact, for hundreds of years the kings were unable to rid the countryside of bamot. While David resisted people who protested the matter, Avshalom told them that he would always support them in this struggle. This garnered Avshalom great initial support.
We pray that we will be able to increase sanctity in the nation so that the religious establishment will focus people’s energies in the correct direction.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.