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Beit Midrash
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- 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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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.
