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Beit Midrash
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The midrash gives a frightening answer from which we should learn for all generations. It says that Moshe heard people speaking about him: "Look at all the things he has. He eats from the Jews’ property, drinks from the Jews’ property, and all that he has is from the Jews." Another one said: "Would you think that the one who is in charge of all the work of the Mishkan would not be rich?" The Midrash concludes that Moshe decided that when he finished the Mishkan, he would do an exact accounting of everything that was collected and used.
A different midrash (ibid.) describes the drama that occurred when the final accounting report was issued. Moshe invited everyone to the presentation of the report. When he made the calculation of what had been used, he forgot the silver used for "vavim" of the posts of the tent walls, which was the weight of 1,775 shekel coins. (This is the reason that the Torah writes separately the amount used on the vavim (Shemot 38:28). Imagine the pandemonium that erupted when Moshe was unable to justify his use of the donations. The solution to the situation was no less dramatic: a Heavenly voice came out and said that the unaccounted silver had indeed been used for the vavim.
The issue of Moshe’s propriety was a matter that was argued with the opponents of the Jewish people over the centuries. The Yerushalmi (Sanhedrin 1:4) relates that the Roman governor, Antignus taunted: "Your teacher, Moshe, was either a thief or did not know arithmetic." If Moshe Rabbeinu was subject to such criticism, simple people can also expect to be liable to be suspected.
During the month when our ancestors would prepare donations for the year’s service in the Temple, which we make a point of reading publicly, we would like to remind all those who are in public and mitzva-related funds to be very careful. If Moshe Rabbeinu could take steps to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, we should as well. It is important to keep books with transparency, pay taxes diligently, and give workers their full rights. The public can do its part by checking that the places to which they donate are above board in their finances. Rabbinic leaders would be wise to leave the ability to sign checks in the hands of voluntary members of the board and not assume more monetary authority than is safe for their reputations.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
