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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
When we take a good look at the list of kings of Edom, we see that in addition to the different names, there is also a varied list as to the origin of these kings. One came from Dinhava, while another came from Batzra. One came from Avit, and the next came from Masreika. Chazal took the opportunity to highlight this unceasing changing of dynasties, a phenomenon which is different from that of the kings of Israel. Indeed, which is better, to keep the monarchy in a given blood line or to appoint new kings from different places and backgrounds, according to their qualifications?
From one perspective, a dynasty helps provide stability, yet it can also encourage corruption within the ruling family and enables the ascent to the crown of unfit inheritors. On the other hand, are those who rise to leadership through their own efforts necessarily more moral or fit than their dynastic counterparts?
Yechezkel 27 describes at length a ship made up of parts that came from around the globe. The midrash (Bereishit Rabba 83) says that this is actually a metaphor for the leadership of ancient Edom. The midrash concludes with a prophecy that this kingdom would not flourish forever. The truth is that throughout history, both systems have had their successes and failures. But in our tradition, it is not enough that a king exist, even one who possesses qualities of leadership which would seem to make him likely to succeed at his difficult task. In our tradition, there is value in the selection of a line that has proven itself to possess certain innate qualities that make it fit. The selection of the Land of Israel, the Nation of Israel, the city of Yerushalayim and the place of the Beit Hamikdash are permanent facts based on inherent qualities. Similar is the selection of the dynasty of the House of David.
We pray for the time that the proper inheritor from the House of David will rule over Israel and will replace the dominant role of the sons of Eisav in the chosen city of Yerushalayim.
Vayishlach Did Yaakov Avinu bensch gomeil after surviving his encounter with Eisav?
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D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
