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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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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.