10 Lessons

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!

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!

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.

Naso "FIND MY SPOUSE"- Kohanim Can also Help!
There are so many available "singles" around & we must try and help them! This short article gives many practical, social, religious & psychological tips on how to find your (or your child's) soul-mate, as well as a Godly bracha geared especially for them, which is more helpful than any "Segula"!

Chukat Moshe's Sin- A New & Innovative Look
We all grew up on Rashi's explanation that Moshe's sin was that he hit the rock rather than speaking to it to bring out water, but there are more than 13 various commentaries. This class summarizes them, and suggests the 14th commentary, raised by the Shadal, but answers the question for which he rejects it!

Pinchas Parshat Pinchas & Chukat: A New & Innovative Look at Moshe's Sin (easy Hebrew)
12 different commentaries differ with Rashi regarding Moshe Rabbenu's sin, that it's not simply that he struck, rather than speak to the rock to bring out water. This class deals with why it's so unclear and what is the "secret" explanation of the Shadal which is the only commentary which answers all of the difficulties and questions here

Masei Natural Life in the Land of Israel & the Tragedy of Galut
...Outside the Land of Israel, our engagement with the physical world comes at the expense of Torah and sanctity. We in fact see that the Torah studied in Exile shuns in an extreme manner many areas of natural life. Only when the Nation of Israel is in the Land of Israel is "normal," natural life enabled – for, in fact, even that which is material and physical is holy...

Ein Aya Rav Kook: The Definition of 'Good' Is: 'Life'
Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 230
Rav Kook explains why the constructive punishment for murder was the destruction of Y'rushalayim & exile from Israel. G-d loves life and is the force behind all life, and in fact, defines "Good" as "Life". The goal of the Torah is Tahara or Life, and accordingly murder, or the taking of life is not only tragic morally but ideologically and philosophically, stands, like Tum'ah, in total contradiction to the message of life, which supersedes the other mitzvot. Israel is meant to be a life-educating "Light to the Nations" from Y'rushalayim, through building an ideal Jewish State, but if we aren't fulfilling that goal, then our capitol and national life are counter-productive.