INSIGHT 5780 - #15: TRANSFORMATION

For  Shemot
 
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The idea that there is a time to question and a time not to question is also reflected in the story of the Akeida. While it is generally deemed praiseworthy that Avraham did not question God in regard to this command (as he questioned God in regard to Sdom), it is clear that Avraham's question about what occurred which he asked at the conclusion of the matter, is deemed praiseworthy. It is actually seen by some as a pivotal event in defining the Halachic system which demands investigation and questioning in order to determine, to the best of human ability, the true demand of God. The Akeida declared that in this focused encounter with God, the human being must fully limit himself/herself. This, however, is only in the beginning. As this relationship develops, it is God's Will that the human being exercises more self in the connection. This is what occurred in the conclusion of the Akeida. Such development must also occur in other aspects of the relationship with God. This is what the Insight is declaring in regard to the focused connection with God defined by Yetziat Mitzrayim. This idea is also connected to the very focus of na'aseh v'nishma.

INSIGHT 5779 - #14: The Other

For Shemot
 
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Insight 5778-15: THE SERVANT OF GOD

For Shemot
 
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This understanding of the relationship between God and humanity is also significant in the discussion of the relationship between a rebbi [teacher] and talmid [student] or other designation of follower. There are those who wish to maintain that a student must always follow the position of a teacher; the latter's will must always be subservient to the will of the teacher. There are others, though, who maintain that the actual sign of a good rebbi is one who can raise a talmid to have a proper will of his/her own and thus is able to make decisions independent and even in conflict with the teacher. Independence of will is obviously the issue. While the independence of a prophet's will that the Insight argues must be an element of prophecy does not, of course, in any way imply a conflict with the Divine, in human terms such an expression of independence could result in a conflict between rebbi and talmid and so the existence of this particular issue in regard to the relationship of teacher and student. In regard to prophecy and, in fact, all aspects of the Divine-human connection, the existence of the Divine Will and the independent human will can, though, paradoxically co-exist. This is the very essence of Torah. This argument in regard to the rebbi-talmid relationship is simply a reflection that such co-existence must also paradoxically co-exist in this case. It is just more difficult in the human case.

Insight 5777-17: ESSENTIAL DISTINCTION

For Shemot
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Insight 5776-15: Yocheved

For Shemot

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Study Question

1)

Insight 5775-15: THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE MIDWIVES

For Shemot
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Study Question

1)

Insight 5774-15: Natural Behaviour

For Shemot
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Study Question

1)

Insight 5773-16: Moshe and Yitro

For Shemot
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Study Question

1) Regarding the footnote in which I refer to the other views that have Moshe spending the vast majority of his time outside of Egypt as king of Kush, why do you think those of chazal who adopted this view were motivated to do so? Are there any indications in the verses that there is much more to all this than what is written?

Insight 5772-14: The Jew in a Foreign Land

For Shemot

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Insight 5771-13: And He Kissed Him

For Shemot

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Insight 5769 - 13: A UNIQUE NATION

For Shemot and Pesach.

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