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Simcha bat Chana
During his attempted coronation, Adoniya is said to have slaughtered (vayizbach) a variety of animals at a place called Even Hazochelet before his supporters (Melachim I, 1:9). During the subsequent coronation of Shlomo, which David initiated, there is no mention of the slaughtering of animals (see ibid. 33-34). Why is it that the same apparent activity in the same family for the same purpose would be different in regard to the slaughter of animals as part of the ceremony/celebration? For whatever reason, the classical commentators do not discuss the matter. First we must try to determine what the nature of this zevicha (slaughter) is, as it is found in the Torah in two different contexts, as we will discuss.
The Torah (Devarim 12:21) does use the word zevicha in reference to the simple halachic slaughter of animals in a manner that makes them fit for normal consumption. If this is the intention, then the people were simply taking part in a festive celebratory meal in honor of Adoniya’s ascension to the throne. However, this is difficult because the term is predominantly used in reference to the slaughter of animals as sacrifices. It is also difficult because then what is the significance of their slaughter that it should be stressed, as opposed to just saying that they were eaten. Is it a surprise that David’s son kept kosher?
We will therefore suggest that the decision of whether to slaughter sacrifices was at the heart of the issues behind the "political" struggle. When David declared Yerushalayim as the place of the future Temple, the rule that sacrifices could be offered only there became pertinent, even though it was technically permitted to bring sacrifices anywhere until the Temple was actually erected. David stopped all public sacrifices in non-central locations as of the time he bought the plot upon which the Temple would be built, as can be inferred from Divrei Hayamim I, 22:1. This was actually a major rallying cry behind Avshalom’s outright rebellion against his father, as the people were unwilling to give up their perceived right to "serve" Hashem wherever they pleased. As is stressed many times in Melachim, the people never overcame this desire to bring sacrifices on unauthorized altars (bamot).
By publicly bringing sacrifices on a bama, Adoniya was trying to "ride a wave" of support by his convenient stand on the above grassroots issue. It was as if to say: "Under my rule, sacrificing will be a matter of personal choice." Of course, David, as the promulgator of the centralized only policy, arranged a coronation for Shlomo without zevicha. It is ironic that after taking power, Shlomo himself was apparently influenced by the nation’s desire and, while serving Hashem, did offer sacrifices on bamot (before the Temple was built).
May we merit the rebuilding of the House of David, which was and will be built on the basis of justice
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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.