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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 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.
