13 Lessons
The Giving of the Torah The Second Giving of the Torah
The giving of the Torah happens every year and if we merit we can achieve great things from these days.
The Giving of the Torah When Should We Use Facts, Logic or Kabbala in Learning Torah?
Ein Aya Shabbat 4 7
Ein Aya Shabbat 4 7
The Giving of the Torah Don't Just be Religious: Be Godly!
Two Ways that Learning Torah Brings Us Closer to God:
In general there are 3 ways of coming close to God: most common, either through emotion or intellect, but then Judaism adds: or to be "similar" [=close] to Him. The greatest gift that He could give us is the "Tzelem Elohim", or capability of imitateo dei, being Godly. The she'ur discusses the advantages & disadvantages of each approach to Him. Most importantly, we can't understand His Essence, but we can amd should understand His actions. This is the ultimate in both the Rambam's rational and also the kabbalistic approach to Judaism. Rav Kook explains that the 13 traits of God, as well as the 10 sfirot, all detailus what to emulate. This has far-reaching ramifications for prayer, study as well as defining our goal and potential in life!
The Giving of the Torah The Day of the Rains and the Giving of the Torah
According to our Sages, The Day of the Rain is as great as, or even greater than the day of the Giving of the Torah. The basis for this comparison is discussed in depth, as well as additional aspects of the connection between the rains and the Torah.
The Giving of the Torah The Peleh of Self-Sanctification
How can we continue the phenomenon of a connection between physical and spiritual that began at Sinai when heavens touched earth and the Divine Presence rested on a human nation? It requires sanctification, as Bnei Yisrael prepared at that time.
The Giving of the Torah The Revelation at Sinai Through Hassidic Eyes
Before the Giving of the Torah man exerted himself in an attempt to come close to God, yet, despite all of his efforts, he remained far removed; from the Giving of the Torah onward, the road is open to reaching God.
The Giving of the Torah The Path to Receiving Torah
It is impossible to whole-heartedly take upon oneself the yoke of Torah if one is not open-minded. Similarly, it is impossible to embrace the Torah if one possesses strong desires and is unable to make his will subservient to that of the Almighty.
The Giving of the Torah Receiving Torah Like Children
Mount Sinai's greatness lies in the fact that it is smaller than the rest of the mountains. This is how the Jewish people came to receive Torah, like a child that wants to absorb the words despite the fact that he does not understand them.
Bamidbar As Shavuot Approaches...
Parshat Bamidbar
A Time and Place Happy Birthday Reliving Matan Torah
