Dear Talmidot, Parents and Friends –

1)         Midreshet News – Marissa Chadow, Channa Kontokanis, Shana Bet

2)         Faculty Dvar Torah – Mrs. Neima Novetsky

3)         Mazal Tov

4)         Mi SheBerach

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

Midreshet News

Marissa Chadow, Woodmere, NY, Shana Bet

Channa Kontokanis, San Diego, CA, Shana Bet

Dear readers,
We're back! Our week long "Israeli Journey" came to an end after Shabbat and now we're back home in the homey walls of Midreshet!

Last week we told you about our hike, camping experience, and chesed trip to the development town of Dimona. On Wednesday night we returned to Jerusalem and enjoyed great showers in a very comfortable hostel and on Thursday morning we were off to Ir David to explore our vibrant past. We squeezed through an ancient dried up water tunnel near the tayelet, enjoyed a falafel picnic, went through the archeological site of Ir David and then went through a newly opened tunnel that goes beneath the busy street and comes out at the southern wall where we davened mincha.

Friday was a very special day for us at Har Herzl. We explored the military cemetery and learned some of the stories of our brave soldiers who lost their lives. We came out with a greater sense of pride and empowerment for the State of Israel.

Friday night we had an incredible experience! We all davened Kabbalat Shabbat together at the Kotel and the rest of the Shabbat was just as powerful as we were ending our journey and discussing our growth, experiences, and Judaism in our group circles. Masa Yisraeli was truly truly an amazing journey that we all learned a lot from.

Back to Midreshet! Wahoo! We've all been so happy to get back into the swing of things. Our classes are great as ever and we're really enjoying them.  

Shababt Shalom from Marissa and Channa

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

Blind Faith

Mrs. Neima Novetsky

Which is a better model of belief in Hashem: to follow Hashem, no questions asked, no proofs needed, or to search, ponder and question as we move towards knowledge of God?

The Rambam points to Avraham as the prime example of the second model, describing Avraham's path to monotheism as one in which he observed the world around him, questioned, searched, thought and questioned again until he came to the realization of the existence of one God. 

Interestingly, though, the first glimpse that one gets of Avraham in Parashat Lech Lecha seems to be of an entirely different character.  Hashem tells Avraham to leave his family, home and all he knows and to go to some unknown destination, and Avraham blindly follows. No questions asked.  His belief is presented as a matter of fact; there is no description of the process that led to it.  He just believes. That's it.

Where then, does the image of the philosophical Avraham who spends his days looking for truth come from?  Why isn't Avraham upheld instead, as the model of pure simple faith?

A closer look at the Avraham narratives yields a slightly more complicated figure, one who actually fits both models, one who is both questioner and blind follower.   When told of the upcoming destruction of S'dom, Avraham does not remain silent, simply acquiescing to Hashem's better judgement, but rather argues, questions, and accuses.  Yet when Hashem tells him to sacrifice his own son, he simply obeys.  When Hashem promises Avraham the Land of Canaan, he questions: "How do I know?"  Yet, when Hashem tells him of the future slavery and oppression of his descendants, he offers no argument.  At times Avraham seeks to understand Hashem, to try and know Him better.  At other times, he yields to faith alone, trusting even if not comprehending.

So which is the better model? 

The Rambam prefers a belief that stems from a process of searching, of looking into Hashem and His ways.  On the other hand, Rabbi Yehuda Ha Levy, the Kuzari, prefers the model of simple faith, without "proofs" or rationales.  Perhaps, though, the message we are to take from Avraham is that though they seem contradictory, really the two paths are not mutually exclusive.  We must search and question, for without trying to know Hashem, a relationship is almost impossible.  At the same time, we must realize that one can never fully know Hashem and some questions might forever remain unanswered, and sometimes, we must simply accept and believe.

Shabbat Shalom

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

Mazal Tov!               

Mi SheBerach List

We have started a new list. Please email midmoriah@gmail.com if there is a name you would like to add.  

Names added this week:

For complete 5772 list, please go to: http://midreshetmoriah.com/alumnae/?id=464