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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
