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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Metzora
Rav Neventzal gives another answer, with the help of the gemara (Sota 32b) that explains why the chatat and olah are done in the same place. The gemara says that it is so those who are not intimately involved in the korban will not know whether he is bringing a voluntary korban or whether he sinned and needs atonement. Rav Neventzal posits that we might think that this is not true for a metzora, whose sin that is classically responsible for his physical/spiritual disease is the damaging lashon hara. Yet, stresses the Torah, his dignity, too, is to be preserved as much as possible.
Is a metzora really awarded such privacy?! After all, he must sit outside of the encampment and when people approach him, say "impure! impure!" (Vayikra 13:45-46). We can suggest at least two answers. A simple one is based on the understanding of the gemara (ibid.) that his calling out is for his own direct good, to make people feel bad and seek Divine mercy for him.
However, a second answer may give a little insight into the educational process the Torah employs in his regard. On one hand, while he is in the midst of paying for his crimes and introspecting on his lot, he is to realize the severity of his actions and the unwillingness of religious society to allow such behavior to go on in their midst. However, when his physical status improves and indicates the end to his suffering, he is to be welcomed back in a manner that gives him hope to reenter society as a respected person whose sins are behind him in the eyes of all.
This is similar to the person who requires the punishment of malkot (lashings). The Torah tells that once he has received his allotted number, it is strictly forbidden to add even one more lashing (Devarim 25:3). As a matter of fact, this pasuk is the source for the prohibition to hit anyone. The pasuk continues that if one hits him extra, then "your brother will be defiled before your eyes." Rashi points out: "All day long he is called a rasha, and after he is lashed, he is called your brother."
While no one should enjoy it, there is sometimes a need, in different forms under different circumstances, to punish someone. However, the Torah wants us to remember that we want to get the person to the point where he becomes a full member of society. He should be able to earn back the respect of others and, no less importantly, self-respect.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
