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Beit Midrash
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We have discussed in the past that the people of the nation have the authority to depose even a king who was anointed by a prophet and was previously accepted by the nation. But in light of Rashi’s comments, let us discuss the question of what justifies changing leadership under unscheduled circumstances.
Chazal deal with the matter in the context of an apparent contradiction regarding the chronology of David’s reign. On the one hand, the p’sukim say that David was king for seven years and six months in Chevron and another thirty-three years in Yerushalayim, while in total he is described as reigning for only forty years without mentioning six months (Shmuel II, 5:4-5). The answer (Yoma 22b) is that six months were taken away from his reign, during which time he had leprosy, was abandoned by the Sanhedrin, and lost the Divine Spirit. We know that a leper is equated to one who has died (Shemot Rabba 1). Sanhedrin is needed for some of a king’s actions, including declaring certain types of war, and the loss of the Divine Spirit shows that he lost some of Hashem’s support, which is so crucial for making correct decisions.
What did David do to have his leadership questioned in the midst of such a successful tenure? Rav (Yoma 22b) said that it was because of his sin involving Bat Sheva and her husband, Uriyah. We see that sins in the realm of adultery (without getting into a discussion of the extent to which Batsheva was a married woman, which is the subject of different opinions in Chazal), immoral behavior which causes chillul Hashem is grounds for having the kingship taken away. In contrast, we do not find sins between man and Hashem as grounds for removal from the throne, as the Yerushalmi (Horiyot 3:2) says that the Kingdom of Israel was as legitimate as that of Yehuda, despite the fact that the former were involved in the worship at the calf monuments in Beit El and Dan and several kings worshipped idols.
Another opinion (Yerushalmi, Rosh Hashana 1:1) points to the six months in which David’s forces were involved in a siege on Ammon, despite the Torah’s warning not to engage in warfare with them (Devarim 2:19). According to this opinion (Rav Dimi in Bava Batra 21b disagrees), unauthorized and non-halachic use of Israel’s military might compromise the legitimacy of the king’s reign.
Let us pray that modern Israel’s political leadership will prove to be fit for its task. Even if its leaders err (and which person does not err), may they know how to admit their mistakes and learn from them. Then it can be said about us, "Fortunate is the generation …"
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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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.
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.
