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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
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.
