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articles on Tu Bishvat
Tu B'Shevat-Renewal
Tu B'Shevat signals renewed vitalization in nature.
The Festival of the Land of Israel
The land and the people of Israel are connected together in an internal spiritual bond.
Some Laws Relating to Tu Bishvat
The custom is to eat fruits on both the evening and day of Tu Bishvat
The Wonderful Fruits of the Land of Israel
The excellence of the fruits of the land of Israel does not stem from their flavor, size, and beauty alone.
Lessons on Tu Bishvat
The Moral Benefits of Agriculture- Tu B'Shvat
The tanna R. Elazar writes that in the ideal world, all of us will participate in some form of agriculture, and that "a man without land is not a man". Aside from the mitzva of settling the Land of Israel, an overview of many quotes from R. Elazar will innovatively (but obviously) explain the many moral benefits (even in America!) of doing some gardening and having a deeper understanding of Tu B'Shvat.
Tu B'Shvat- Israeli Fruit's Vitamins of Holiness!
The Bach, Chatam Sofer and Rav Kook elaborate on the "Vitamins of Holiness" found in the produce of Eretz Yisrael, who's consumption brings us closer to God & spirituality. The class discusses practical applications of this idea, as well as explaining why we say Shir HaMa'alot/Al Neharot Bavel before bentching; why is it called "Canaan Land"; why there is detailed significance in the order in which we eat the 7 species of fruit of Israel; why the manna only stopped when we began eating Israel's produce; a in-depth analysis of the Al HaMichya blessing, and an unforgettably unique explanation of the term: "Land of Milk & Honey". For Rav Shvat's tune to learn Al HaMichya by heart, see: https://www.halachayomit.com/rabasalhamichya.html
Lessons
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Rabbis on Tu Bishvat
