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Beit Midrash
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There are reminiscent statements, like that which Shmuel said to Shaul: "Does Hashem desire burnt offerings and feast offerings as he desires listening to Hashem’s voice …" (Shumel I, 15:22). However, that is referring to bringing sacrifices instead of listening to Hashem (in that case, Shaul had spared the flocks of Amalek because he wanted to sacrifice them to Hashem). Similarly, in Yeshaya 1, the navi compares the people to those of S’dom and Amora and then says: "Why do I need your many feast offerings?" There, though, the pasuk seems to be saying categorically that Hashem did not command the sacrifices, when we obviously know that our parasha and several others are replete with such commandments.
Some give answers that are difficult to accept, such as that korbanot are not mentioned in the Ten Commandments or that the rebuke was referring to those who brought sacrifices idols instead of Hashem. However, we will focus on the Malbim’s brilliant explanation. The Malbim points out that Hashem never commanded to bring korbanot for sins that were done purposely. Consistently the chatat and asham sacrifices are for sins committed by forgetfulness and oversight, not for intentional sin. Regarding intentional sin, one does not receive atonement and is not permitted to even volunteer such a korban.
In addition to individual korbanot, there are also set public korbanot, including those that atone for sins. Firstly, it is an inescapable eventuality that within the whole community there is someone who has sinned. We may add that when an entire community sins, even if it was ostensibly done intentionally but along with that, with a lack of full knowledge and/or understanding, the Torah treats the matter as an unintentional sin. This is hinted at in the famous pasuk that we recite in the tefilla of Yamim Nora’im: "And it will be forgiven for the whole congregation of Bnei Yisrael and the stranger who lives in their midst, because for the entire nation, it is unintentional" (Bamidbar 15:26).
These principles must guide us in our outlook on any public matter. On one hand, being careful about holy principles in the service of Hashem is not a replacement to "clean hands" and careful following of His commandments. On the other hand, regarding the sins of the community as a whole, we should always view the shortcomings as unintentional sins.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
