Many people today would benefit from studying with a group of Torah scholars, both virtual and in-person. They have the benefit of learning Torah together, ensuring that one’s life synchronizes with its words and calendar. These scholars can also help one overcome a variety of fears and resolve a difficult situation by helping them understand the nuances of the Torah. A typical study session takes place before Shabbat AM on Saturday. In-person classes typically meet at 9 AM. Online classes are held through Zoom. If you would like to learn more about this, please check out this content
The State of Israel should cultivate an elite group of Torah scholars to contribute to Israeli society. While the ultra-Orthodox community continues to receive funds, the Israeli society recognizes the importance of Torah scholars in society. They are not a millstone weighed down by the demands of modern society. And their contribution to the Jewish people is invaluable. But the future of these scholars will be bleak, unless they decide to live among the ultra-Orthodox.
A group of Torah scholars is often defined as a body comprising the leading scholars in the field. In some cases, a body of Torah scholars may be appointed as a Torah council. The councils of Torah scholars will determine the status of the gedolei ha’adrim and other organizations. However, it may be difficult to identify a group of Torah scholars who have been in practice for a long time. However, the group’s influence over the Jewish community is immense.
The kollel concept is rooted in Orthodox Jewish philosophy. The Orthodox believe that Torah study is God’s desire and that He gave certain Jews greater propensity to study the Torah. They refer to this as the ‘Yissachar-Zebulun’ partnership. According to a Midrashic legend, the Zevulun tribe devoted its members to Torah study. This is one of the many reasons for the widespread popularity of kollels in North America.
Many critics of the chassidic movement claim that a lack of joy in G-dly practice is a sign of the end of time. In fact, the Baal Shem Tov’s understanding of the role of joy in Divine service is rooted in the Torah. Indeed, he was the first to grant rabbinical ordination. The semichah system spread throughout the generation that followed, as he was the first rabbi of Tzefat. It is important to note that, even though he was the first to grant ordination, the Chachamim in Yerushalayim did not recognize the rabbinical system.
The chassidic way of life introduced nothing new to Judaism, but it did introduce an important aspect to the practice of Jewish life. The Baal Shem Tov understood that the reviving of the intrinsic relationship with a Rebbe would heighten people’s awareness of G-d in the world and deepen their emotional connection with G-d. We will explain the origin of the Rebbe in a future chapter.
