Chanukah

"You must really be special!! I heard your Rebbe refer to you as his
'beloved student'."

In "Al Hanissim" (a prayer said on Chanukah) we say "Your (G-d's)
children came into the Temple..." The Gemara in Baba Basra 10a says that
when Bnai Yisrael does G-d's will, they are called G-d's "children".

Let's earn that wonderful name.

Have a great Shabbos and "lichtege" Chanukah !!

Rabbi Chaim Flom

Dear Rabbi Flom,
Wasn't "when Bnai Yisroel does G-d's will, they are called 'G-d's children'" a quote from Tornofus Rufus?
Sincerely,
Mark

Dear Mark,
Thanks for your question.
That phrase "when Bnai Yisroel..." is found in 2 places. In Kiddushin 36a, there is a machlokes (argument) between Rav Yehuda (who says that phrase) and Rav Meir (who says we are ALWAYS called G-d's children). The Gemara that I quoted (Baba Basra 10a) has an argument about Tzeddaka. In that argument, Rav Akiva says that Bnai Yisroel are always called G-d's children and Tornofus Rufus says they are only Hashem's children when they fulfill his will. When Tornofus asked a question on Rav Akiva, using this idea, Rav Akiva didn't argue this point. rather he brought a different possuk to prove his point about Tzaddaka. Therefore it seems that Rav Akiva gave in on this point.(Although there are other explanations.)
Take care.
Rabbi Flom