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One can ask the very simple question: whose (or what’s) sound is heard and for what purpose? The Rashbam says that the bells’ sound reminded people that they were forbidden to be in the Mishkan when the kohen gadol went in to for his special service (see Vayikra 16:17). According to this approach, the point is to protect others from dying for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Ibn Ezra understands that the sound is the voice of the kohen gadol, whose prayers are apt to be accepted when he goes about his service with his special clothes; the bells are thus not the main thing.
The Ramban says that it is the bells that can be heard. The Torah goes on to stress that although it is strange for there to be bells on such distinguished garments, it is necessary so that "he should not die." The sound functions to ask permission of Hashem to enter the sanctuary, as we have found the caution one must use before entering the inner quarters of a human king (see Esther 4:11). This idea is reminiscent of the moral advice that Chazal (Vayikra Rabba, Acharei Mot 21) give that one should not enter even his own home without warning (our pasuk is cited as corroboration). The Ramban provides another possibility: the bells chase out the angels, for otherwise the angels could endanger the kohen gadol when he enters.
The Chizkuni understands that the purpose of the bells’ sound was to enable those outside to track the kohen gadol and thereby be able to have the proper kavana according to his progress in the service. One of the Abarbanel’s explanations also connects the sound to kavana, just that it is to remind the kohen gadol that he is in an especially holy place and should thus be extra careful with his thoughts and not die. In another explanation, he says that the sound was testimony to the fact that the kohen gadol was moving and thus alive.
Let us end with three additional comments: 1) The Yerushalmi says that the sound served as atonement for the sin of unintentional murderers. Since the death of the kohen gadol is the other form of atonement, the bells could thus cause the kohen gadol’s death to be pushed off. 2) The Kli Yakar says that the bells atone for lashon hara, in whose merit people will be spared of death. 3) The Degel Machane Yehuda says that the pomegranate-shaped bells remind us of the sinners in Israel who are filled with mitzvot like the seeds of a pomegranate. Hearing that sound, then, is important because any prayer in which Israelite sinners are not involved is not a prayer (see Keritot 6b).
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.