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Beit Midrash
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Gemara:
Why was the dove specified [among the different birds]? It is because the Congregation of Israel is compared to a dove, as the pasuk says: "The wings of (kanfei) the dove, coated with silver" (Tehillim 68:14). Just as a dove is saved by its wings, so Israel is saved only by means of mitzvot.
Ein Ayah: [Rabba bar bar Chana’s idea that bentching in the place one eats is like taking gold from the ground and making into something that represents soaring like a bird] could have been illustrated with any bird. However, in his humility, Rabba used the symbolism specifically of a dove because Bnei Yisrael are compared to it.
Rabba conveyed the message that it is fitting to credit the mitzvot, with all of their intricacies, in the manner that they impact on Israel as a collective. Within the nation, there are people of great depth whom the mitzvot elevate according to their fullest content. Due to the idea of national unity, then, everyone who performs the mitzva as part of the collective has a share in the total impact of the mitzva.
The cited pasuk conveys this point: "The wings of (kanfei) the dove, coated with silver, its eiver with yellowish gold." [In Modern Hebrew evra refers to certain major feathers; Rav Kook seems to interpret it as a more internal limb used in the flying process]. The kanaf is the more external part of the wings, which actually produces the flight. However, the more internal part of the wing, which creates the movement, is the eiver. There is a difference between the use of gold and that of silver. Silver is normally used by normal, respectable people. Gold is primarily reserved for kings and noblemen. As the pasuk says: "All of King Solomon’s drinking cups were from gold … there was no silver; it was not valued at all in the times of Solomon" (Melachim I, 10:21).
In regards to mitzvot, as well, there are external and internal elements. The internal content is the major factor that causes the impact, although it is directly accessible only to great people. However, the external element [is within the grasp of many]. This connection is like that of the kanaf to the evra and of the silver to the gold it coats. This is what is special about the unification of external actions to internal concepts, so that the external actions of the nation are impacted by the deep concepts that a select few are able to arrive at. This is a unique quality of mitzvot, which come from a place of lofty sanctity, and are thereby able to connect the different elements and levels. A dove is saved from danger by means of its wings. Its oppressors prompt it to fly away. So too, when the spirit feels threatened by dangers, whether human enemies of the people or forces of physicality, we are drawn at this time by our internal goodness to seek the divine goodness. In practice, we cling to mitzvot which elevate us beyond our present state. Specifically, eating can strengthen the physical side to the extent that it is a danger to the spirit, but the spirit clings to the opportunity to bentch at that same place. This mitzva transforms and elevates all, by combining its performance by people acting on different levels.
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.
