YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Vayikra
During the account of the command to build the Mishkan, Shabbat is mentioned after the command. However, later on, it is mentioned before the description of the actual building. In between these two sections, the Torah tells the story of the sin of the Golden Calf and its aftermath. The disciples of the Gra posit that after the giving of the Torah, Bnei Yisrael reached the level of Adam before his sin. On that level, they should have been able to build the Mishkan even on Shabbat. After the calf, their level plummeted and they had to refrain from construction on Shabbat. Yet, throughout its existence, service in the Mishkan and Temple was permitted on Shabbat. What is the difference between the construction and the service in this regard?
During the miluim (the days of inauguration), Moshe did the avoda in the Mishkan, a duty that was transferred to Aharon and his sons only thereafter. During the pre-Beit Hamikdash preparations of bringing the aron (ark) to Yerushalayim, King David dressed similarly to a kohen and led the "services." During the inauguration of the Beit Hamikdash, it seems that King Shlomo brought the sacrifices (Melachim I, 8: 62-64), not the kohanim. What was special about the inaugural period?
Our Rabbis have taught us that there are three categories of sanctity: place-related; time-related; and person-related. At least one of these categories has to be functioning in full force in order for there to be a strong spiritual anchor. Before the sin of the Golden Calf, Bnei Yisrael was on a level whereby there was strength in human sanctity. The Divine Presence could dwell in the individual and the world could handle not keeping Shabbat in the quest to make a Sanctuary. After the sin and before there was a Mishkan, there was a need to preserve the sanctity of time of Shabbat even if it meant suspending the building of the Mishkan. After the Mishkan was built, the service that was related to that sanctity could be performed even on Shabbat (thus lowering the sanctity of time) by relying on the sanctity of place.
The mitzva to build a Sanctuary and Temple is a national effort, which is to be done by the king or supreme leader. A citizen, even a special one like a kohen, cannot volunteer to take leadership in this regard until the Temple already is functioning.
Let us pray and make efforts that all elements of sanctity will be restored to their fullest speedily in our times.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
