YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Shmini
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The Sifra (ad loc.) said that Aharon required atonement for his participation in the sin of the Golden Calf (chet ha’egel), while Bnei Yisrael needed not only atonement for the chet ha’egel but also a goat for the selling of Yosef by their forefathers. (The brothers had slaughtered a goat to disguise their crime and claimed that Yosef had been killed by a wild animal). The commentaries make much of the connection between these two historic sins and the status of Bnei Yisrael in comparison to Aharon. Rabbeinu Bachyei points out that Aharon brought a chatat for his involvement in the chet ha’egel because that is the korban one brings when he violates a serious sin without foreknowledge of sin. Indeed, Aharon felt he had to deal with a no-win situation and had no idea what the results of his participation would be. The olah, on the other hand, is for sins of the heart, including certain premeditated sins (see Ramban on Vayikra 1:4). Thus, it was appropriate for Bnei Yisrael’s role in chet ha’egel.
But the question still begs. Even if these elements of atonement were necessary, it seems a little inappropriate that at the grand opening of the Mishkan, such prominent, public attention was given to some of the most depressing moments in our history. One can answer that there was no choice but to receive atonement before commencing with the service, but it still seems that something could have been arranged earlier or later.
Upon second thought, we can find a very positive message in the korbanot in question. When one has a fragile relationship with an associate, it is prudent to keep points of tension or contention under wraps. Otherwise, the entire relationship could be endangered. But a strong relationship can withstand bumps on the road. Not only is it possible to survive the airing of issues, but it is, at times, wise to do so and clear the air.
Hashem was informing B’nei Yisrael that as serious as the selling of Yosef and the chet ha’egel were, He still loved them enough to maintain His relationship with them. Additionally, with the opening of the Mishkan, they would have an effective, reliable system of making amends for even serious shortcomings. The instruction to make amends sent home the message that indeed there was an opportunity to do so.
While we do not presently have the opportunity to use korbanot to further our relationship with Hashem, we can and should use the gift of mitzvot and tefilla to do so.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.