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Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret
articles on Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret
Succot / Simchat Torah
Succot concludes with the especially joyous day of Simchat Torah
The Meaning of Shmini Atzeret
Why is there an extra holiday added on to the Sukkot holiday?
End Without an Ending
A Shiur by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks for the weekly portion "v'zot Haberacha"
Simchat Torah for those Not Completing the Torah Reading
We have missed a few weeks of the Torah reading when our shul was closed. Does this effect our ability to celebrate?
Lessons on Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret
Beans, Fear & Simchat Torah: A Spiritual Recipe for the Heart & Soul
Rav Kook's innovative explanation of why lentils should only be eaten once a month, but not every day, deals with the difference between Yom Kippur and Sukkot/Simchat Torah, and the (rare) place for fear of death & punishment, as opposed to awe and love, which are our primary stress.
Simchat Torah for those Not Completing the Torah Reading
Hopefully, I/we will be able to make it to shul for Simchat Torah (=ST), but I and many others will not be finishing up the Torah reading, as we missed a few weeks when our shul was closed. Does this effect our ability to celebrate ST, halachically or experientially?
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.
Rabbis on Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret
