Parashat Aharei-Mot/Kedoshim - R. Akiva's "Great Rule"

Parashat Aharei-Mot/Kedoshim - R. Akiva's "Great Rule" - Apr 21, 2026 - One of the most well-known quotes from Midrash Halakhah is R. Akiva's observation about ואהבת לרעך כמוך - (you shall love your fellow as yourself) - he avers - זה כלל גדול בתורה, which might be interpreted as "this is a great rule of the Torah". A more complete look at the Sifra and parallel Midrashic texts reveals a dissenting opinion. Shim'on b. Azai maintains that there is a different verse which is either an equally "great rule", or perhaps a "greater rule": זה ספר תולדות אדם (Ber. 5:1). What does he mean and how do we account for the various formulations of this Midrash? We explore all that and more in this Yom haZikkaron shiur, a day on which we honor not only the bravery and sacrifice of our young men and women in defense of our land and our people, but also the tremendous loyalty and fraternity that our soldiers demonstrate in battle. מי כעמך ישראל