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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Bamidbar
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
Rashi (ad loc.) explains that when the firstborn were involved in the chet ha’egel (sin of the golden calf), whereas the Levi’im refrained from the idolatry, the Levi’im were chosen to take their place. Rashi does not mention when and why Aharon’s family was chosen as Kohanim. He also does not say that the Levi’im’s appointment was a prize for their behavior during chet ha’egel, but rather that the position was vacated when the firstborn sinned, and the Levi’im were the ones who took over. Rashi follows his major thesis that the Torah is not presented in an exact chronological sequence, and, specifically, that the instructions to construct the Mishkan followed chet ha’egel by several months (the project began right after Yom Kippur- Rashi, Shemot 31:18). Thus, we do not have a clear indication that the Levi’im’s appointment was a direct or immediate prize for their role within that crisis.
We will investigate a different aspect of the Tribe of Levi’s legacy before tying things together. The 12 tribes were blessed by two of our nation’s great leaders before the respective death of each. Yaakov, in relating to Shimon and Levi, two sons who had caused him much trouble, banished them from positions of leadership ("I will break them up in Yaakov, and I will scatter them in Israel" (Bereishit 49: 5-7). In contrast, Moshe praised the Tribe of Levi’s spiritual level, conferring upon them spiritual leadership in the service of Hashem and stressing their role of upholding the covenant in times of trial and tribulations (Devarim 33: 8-9). How do we deal with these contradictory appraisals of Levi’s standing?
We can propose two fundamental approaches. 1) The Levi’im were pushed off by Yaakov but were redeemed by Moshe because of their contribution at chet ha’egel. 2) Moshe maintained Yaakov’s misgivings toward the Levi’im, but devised a way of incorporating them into appropriate roles while neutralizing the dangers. If we take the second approach, we can explain as follows. The Kohanim were chosen first for their exalted role, not because they were from Levi but despite that fact and because of their unique qualifications as a holy family. The Kohanim could not do all the work themselves, and so assistants were sought out. The firstborn had the opportunity to get that role, but when they lost the opportunity, the Levi’im filled the void. As the Levi’im role was that of assistants, not leaders, it did not contradict Yaakov’s instructions.
Let us pray for the Levi’im’s and Kohanim’s return to their special roles.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
