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Springs in and around Yerushalayim have a very central place in the description of events at the time that Mashiach comes. Yoel (4:18), Yechezkel (47:1), and Zecharya (14:8) all speak of water flowing out of the Beit Hamikdash. Because of all of this importance of water for spiritual as well as physical reasons in this area, any discovery of a water source is a matter of great excitement for those who love Yerushalayim and its past and future history.
A big problem has perplexed the experts on the geography of Tanach. In the area of Yerushalayim of David Hamelech’s time, there is only one spring, the Gichon that spills out into the Shiloach pool, and this is what is described as the water source at the time of Chizkiyahu (Divrei Hayamim II, 32:30). Ein Rogel is not found in our days, yet it must have been in the same area so central to the history of the time, as Adoniyahu and his party heard the exuberance of the people at Shlomo’s coronation. The best guess is that Ein Rogel ceased functioning as a result of the great earthquake at the time of Uziyahu. Some experts assume that its water can now be found at Bir Iyov, an ancient pool of water not far from the Gichon.
Rashi and the Radak, based on the Targum Yonatan say that Ein Rogel was a place where laundering was done (as one uses the legs (regel) to clean some fabrics). Indeed we find a laundering pool as the meeting place of a prophet and king (Yeshaya 7:3), perhaps suggesting that Ein Rogel lived on in some way.
We will end off with the interesting findings of an engineer named Koznitz, who spent many years researching the Western Wall tunnels. He tried to identify the waters that are most appropriate to use for laundering in this region, which has to do with the pH. His finding was that the Gichon has the most suitable water, which convinced him that what we presently call the Gichon is actually Ein Rogel. His sharp idea and surprising conclusion do not solve the riddle, but they do add even more mystery to the elusive identity of these precious water sources, with all of their historical significance about the past and the future. Let us pray that the spring that serves as a harbinger to the final redemption will be revealed soon and give water on the Temple Mount, reaching and touching the lives of many.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Returning Torah to its Central Standing – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.