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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
The context of this warning is very understandable, as Bnei Yisrael had just been guilty of making a god of gold. Thus, Hashem had to reiterate and stress that the problem would arise again in full force when Bnei Yisrael would enter the Land and be exposed to the dangerous, local practices. What is more difficult to understand is the context of the immediately subsequent topic. The Torah goes into the matter of the three regalim (festivals), during which Bnei Yisrael were to go up to celebrate and serve Hashem at the religious center of the nation, the Mishkan and, later, the Beit Hamikdash (ibid. 34:18-26). What is the connection between the aftermath of the chet haegel and the regalim? And what need is there to discuss the regalim since the Torah said just about the same thing in Parashat Mishpatim?
It is possible that the key to the reference to the regalim is contained in the phrase of "lo yeira’u panay reikam" (they shall not see My Face empty-handed). What is this concept of seeing "Hashem’s Face," which is mentioned prominently in the section of the regalim more than once? The answer is that Hashem’s refusal to show His Face after the chet haegel would be relaxed, and Bnei Yisrael would be able to and be expected to go to see It in Yerushalayim during the festivals. These aliyot laregel, then, would serve as atonement for the chet haegel.
May we merit that we should soon be able to fulfill this special mitzva and have the special opportunity to encounter "Hashem’s Face" in the near future.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
