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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
As David was preparing to turn Yerushalayim into the center of a nation that had thrown off the yoke of the Philistines, the following event transpired. The tribes of Israel came to Chevron (David’s capital for seven years) and said: "We are your bones and your flesh. Both yesterday and the previous day, when Shaul was king, you took us out to battle, and Hashem said: ‘You will shepherd My nation, Israel’" (Shmuel II, 5:1-2). What messages were behind these declarations, and what can we learn from them for future generations?
The first idea in these p’sukim borrows a phrase from what Adam said about Chava, that she came from his bones and flesh. This is a reference, then, to the people’s acceptance of David as one whom Jews are allowed to marry. After all, there was a major debate whether female Moavite converts and their descendants, including David, who came from Ruth, could marry into the Jewish community (see Devarim 23:4). The matter was only resolved when Amasa ben Yeter related a tradition from Shmuel’s court that the prohibition applied only to male converts (Yevamot 77a). The tribes’ statement confirmed their acceptance of this ruling.
The declaration about David’s former role was a confirmation that they did not view David to have been rebellious against the former king, Shaul. David was adored by the people, including the women who composed the song about how his conquests exceeded Shaul’s, a song that was known even by the servants of King Achish of the Philistines (see Shmuel II, 21:12). The consensus of David’s acceptance by the people joined up with the halachic consensus about his acceptability as part and parcel of society.
The third declaration was that David was chosen by Hashem. This could be based on the fact that Shmuel anointed him. Even though this was originally done clandestinely, to not arouse Shaul’s vengeance, it is possible that subsequently it became public knowledge. It is also possible that the Divine Providence that seemed to shine positively on David’s activities convinced the people that Hashem was behind him (see Ramban to Devarim 17:15).
In our generation, the great miracles that surrounded the great victory that prompted Motta Gur’s famous call, "The Temple Mount is in our hands," came about after the political parties in Israel united to form a national unity government and Jews around the world rallied behind us. Our continued success in the struggle to unite the city in all aspects depends on the unity of the people with each other, both religiously and socially. Let us act to bring success in these matters.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.