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Beit Midrash
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In addition to the classical parts of the Beit Hamikdash that mirrored the functions and sections that were found in the Mishkan erected by Moshe, Shlomo’s Mikdash also had a very different section: "He made a hall for the chair where he would judge, a hall of judgment did he make; it was covered with cedar wood from the ground to the ground" (Melachim I:7:7). By providing a whole hall for it, we see that the matter of justice held a very central position within the functioning of the Temple.
The said chair is, in fact, the symbol of justice in several contexts in Tanach. One such source is the pasuk in Tehillim (122:5): "For there they sat in chairs for justice, chairs for the House of David." Another is in Yeshaya (16:5, in reference to Chizkiyahu, or perhaps Mashiach): "A chair will be set with kindness, and he shall sit upon with truth, in the tent of David, judging, and seeking justice, and being diligent in righteousness."
The specific chair in the Beit Hamikdash was described in detail in a later perek of Melachim (I, 10:18-20), and it was indeed a most impressive throne. It was made of ivory and was coated with gold, with six steps leading up to it and figures of lions on either side. All of these elements lend glory and majesty. Its details and the fact that its description was important enough for significant focus show how the Israelite Kingdom viewed justice as a fundamental part of their national and religious lives to a degree that was unusual among the nations. (This is without even going into the various midrashim describing miracles related to this throne of justice.) These ideas reflect an understanding that without a serious judicial system that gives expression to Jewish justice, the kingdom cannot be complete.
In our days and our state as well, the President of the Supreme Court, the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General, and others are central figures who can make a tremendous difference in molding the character of society. The judicial apparatus is a mirror that reflects the true face of the society. Our judiciary must base itself on Jewish values, even when it fails to follow halacha directly.
We hope that religious court systems like our own will make their contribution to society and look forward toward a time when Hashem will "return our judges as in days of old." Indeed Mashiach will sit on the throne of his forefather David, as a judge in addition to a king.
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.
