YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Tetzave
candelabra - must be of the purest and best available. There is obvious logic to this
requirement. Impure oil will cause the flames to stutter and flicker.
Impure oil also may exude an unpleasant odor and make the task of the
daily cleaning of the oil lamps difficult and inefficient. Yet I feel that
the basic underlying reason for this requirement of purity of the oil lies
in the value that the Torah advances in the performance of all positive
things in life - the necessity to do things correctly, enthusiastically and
with exactitude.
In halachic parlance this is called kavanah - the intent to perform the commandment
and deed properly and in the best possible way. That
is the story of the pure container of oil that is the core of the miraculous
story of Chanuka. The Hasmoneans could have used regular, even impure oil
and still not have violated any strong halachic stricture. Yet the idea of
kavanah, of doing the matter in the best way possible, introduces an element
of special dedication and holiness into what otherwise would be an event of
rote and habit This is what drives the spirit of holiness and eternity that
accompanies the performance of mitzvoth.
So the requirement of the Torah for
the purest possible oil to fuel the holy and eternal menorah - candelabra - is
readily understandable when the concept of kavanah is factored into the
value system of the Torah.
The light of the menorah has never been dimmed over the long history of the
Jewish people. Though the menorah itself has long ago disappeared from the
view of the Jewish public - it was no longer present even in Second Temple
times - the idea of its.light and influence has continued to be present in
Jewish life. The flame is not a tangible item - it is in reality an item of
spirit more than of substance.
It provides light and warmth and
psychological support in very difficult times and circumstances. Yet its
influence and support is somehow directly connected to.the invested
into actually kindling it. That is the import of the words of the rabbis in
Avot that according to the effort invested so is the accomplishment and
reward.
All things spiritual are dependent upon the effort invested in
creating that sense of spirit. The purer the oil, the brighter and firmer
the flame. This simple yet profound message forms the heart of this week's
parsha. It also forms the heart of all values and commandments that the
Torah ordains for us.
The parsha of Tetave speaks to all of us in a direct
and personal fashion. It encompasses all of the goals of Judaism and is thus
in itself the light of spirituality that lights our souls and lives.
Shabat shalom
Rabbi Berel Wein
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
