Worshipping God out of love

Found 6 Search results

  1. "Sos Assis ba-Hashem"

    Haftarot: Nitzavim - Vayelekh

    Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein

    "Sos Assis" is the height of comfort in the Sheva Denechemta prophecies, and all of the book of Isaiah. Am Yisrael is analogous to an energetic and vital bride, who is heading toward her groom. The redemption is a byproduct of uniting God and his nation, instead of the essence of the prophecy.

  2. "Rejoice With Trembling"

    Haftarot: Toldot

    Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein

    The bible presents two models for the relationship between man and God. One parallels the relationship between a servant and his master, and the other is an intimate and loving relationship. The service of God is meant to include both models.

  3. The Covenant of Love between God and Israel (Audio)

    Prof. Jonathan Grossman | 14 minutes

    This shiur discusses the nature of the covenant as expressed in Parashat Eikev. What is the meaning behind the aparent emphasis of the  juxtaposition of the wicked and idolatrous nations and the promise to the forefathers?

  4. Yeshayahu 40-41 - Matan Al HaPerek

    Rabbi David Sabato

    The prophecy in Chapter 40 opens with a call of consolation for Jerusalem, followed by a call for the clearing of a path to prepare for God's return to Jerusalem, and then God's arrival to Jerusalem is heralded. In the second part of the Chapter (12-31), the prophet presents an argument against idolaters, and contrasts the unique nature of God-with God as Omnipotent Creator and Ruler of the World against the futility and nothingness of idols.

    Chapter 41 continues the polemic against idols and idol-worshippers from the previous chapter and calls for idolaters to be brought to justice. The chapter continues with a description of the desert blooming during the time of Redemption.

  5. Who's Who in Shir Hashirim

    Dr. Adina Sternberg

    תאריך פרסום: תשעד | |

    We look at some of the background and theories about Shir HaShirim and see how they can be applied in the text. Why is Shir HaShirim part of Tanakh?Most, though not all, opinions among Hazal view Shir HaShirim as allegorical. We seek to understand the pshat and offer varying perspectives about the allegory - many describe the "ra'aya" as representing Israel and the "dod" as representing God, but there is also a view that the "ra'aya" represents God and that the "dod" represents Israel. We explore the symbolism, and powerful message of commitment found in this perspective.

     

  6. Implications of the Akeida Part 6: The Sefat Emet on Yir'a vs. Ahava

    Rabbi Ezra Bick | 31 minutes

    We will begin by reflecting, evaluating, and developing an idea found in the commentary of the Sefat Emet to the story of the Akeida. Why does the Torah mention that Avraham saw the place from afar?  The Sefat Emet's answer is that the distance is not geographical, but rather refers to the gap  between Avrham’s own inner commitment, understanding, and attachment and the thing he was about to do. There is a tension between loving God and fearing God. Avraham, the prime example of one who worships God out of love, is ultimately praised at the end of this episode because it is now clear that he fears God, too. 

    A thought-provoking explanation of the view that God never wanted Avraham to offer Yitzhak as a sacrifice. is that Avraham was nevertheless meant to think that God was asking him to do it.

    Knowing that the strand of ahava (love) and yira (fear) are sometimes contradictory on a psychological level will help us commit ourselves to both – to do what we know is right - as we are "made in the Divine Image," but also to subject ourselves to the will of the Master of the Universe.