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Beit Midrash
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In both prophecies, Yeshaya talks about the service of sacrifices. In the haftara of Chazon, he complains that Hashem has no interest in the many sacrifices the people would bring. Since the sacrifices were not accompanied by a sincere effort to improve fear of Heaven and performance of their civil responsibilities, they were to be viewed as an unwanted abomination (Yeshaya 1:11-13). In the haftara of Nachamu, a different issue is raised regarding the value of Bnei Yisrael’s sacrifices. The p’sukim (ibid. 40: 12-16) describe how vast Hashem, Creator of the entire universe, is. Therefore, there are not enough animals or enough wood with which to bring the sacrifices in a manner that would be appropriate. Why did the issue change from the sacrifices being unwanted to there not being enough of them?
Yeshaya began his ‘career’ as a prophet at the time of King Uziyah. The Beit Hamikdash in Yerushalayim served as a center for the service of Hashem. Delegations from the whole world came to observe Uziyah’s greatness, and they were proudly shown the Temple’s courtyards. The problem is that this went to their heads, and the blessings Hashem bestowed upon the people brought them to haughtiness and abuses in the handling of their social affairs. Sinners wanted to use sacrifices as a way to quiet their consciences. In response the prophet told them that Hashem is not interested in such sacrifices, which are part of a misguided approach to service of Hashem. Thus, whatever they brought was too much.
The latter prophecy was said in the time of Uziyah’s great, great-grandson, Menashe. At that time, the Assyrians had captured the Land, and the Northern Tribes had been exiled. Menashe effectively relinquished his independence and gave in to the Assyrians in both political and religious terms. Menashe raised taxes, closed the Beit Hamikdash as a center of service of Hashem, and encouraged idol worship. The Assyrians were an unprecedented powerful force, and it did not seem that there was a chance of a Jewish Kingdom or for belief in and service of Hashem. In that context, Yeshaya consoled them. Hashem is infinitely greater than any nation, and it is not crucial to be able to bring sacrifices. After all, Hashem is far beyond needing them, and, anyway, there are not enough animals to do justice. There was and is no reason for despair. The time of redemption will come, after Yerushalayim has paid for its sins, and the glory of Hashem will once again fill the world.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.