Rabbi Alexander Cohen of Shearim College of Jewish Studies for Women discusses the opportunity for gaining dveykut with Hashem during the Three Weeks. Here is a short clip from youtube of the class:
For the full version of this class available at http://Naaleh.com click HERE
Based on a Naaleh.com shiur by Rabbi Shimon Isaacson
The Gemara writes that Hashem brought the great Destruction because, “Shelo birchu b’Torah techila“-The Jewish people did not recite the blessings on the Torah before learning. With the cessation of prophecy and open miracles, the only way the Jews were able to achieve deveikut-connection to Hashem was through studying Torah. How did this bring about the Churban? The Alshich explains with a parable. The court musician once committed a crime for which he was liable to be put to death. However, since the King appreciated his music so much, he stayed his execution. After some time, the musician lost his ability to play. It was then that he was executed, as there was no reason left to keep him alive. Similarly, as long as the Jews were learning Torah sincerely they were connected to Hashem in a very intimate bond. Once they ceased studying, there was no reason left to stay the execution and the Churban began. The way back to Hashem and the ultimate Geula, is through renewed commitment to Torah study.
Excerpted from Torat Imecha: Women’s Torah Weekly. For this weeks edition on Tish B’Av click HERE
For the full version of this class click HERE
The Three Weeks, A Recurring Pattern
In this guest lecture by Rabbi Ilan Segal of Afikei Torah Seminary in Jerusalem, Rabbi Segal explores Bein Hamitzarim as part of a pattern of three week time periods which recur in Nissan and Tishrei.
Rabbi Ilan Segal, Menahel of Afikei Torah Seminary in Yerushalayim. For the past 10 years he has built the school and guided its students. He has Semicha from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and served as the Rav of Pretoria, South Africa.
