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Throughout the generations, only a kohen gadol, kohen mashuach milchama, and a king were anointed with shemen hamischa (Rambam, Klei Hamikdash 1:7). However, at the time of Moshe and Aharon, even Aharon’s sons were anointed as regular kohanim (Vayikra 8:30). If sanctifying a kohen is a proper use of the oil, why should it not be used throughout the generations? The simple answer is that once the sons of Aharon received the status of kedusha with the help of the oil, that status was then automatically transferred from fathers to sons, just as kedushat Yisrael, which required a special process (at Sinai) to begin, is transferred through mothers. Pinchas, who was too young to be anointed and was born before his father’s anointing, indeed needed special help to become a kohen (see Zevachim 101a).
The kohen gadol needed special sanctification in later generations despite the fact that he was born a descendant of Aharon (Rambam ibid. 4:12). If shemen hamishcha existed at the time, it was used; if not, wearing the special bigdei kohen gadol sufficed (ibid.). Again, the explanation is simple. Every kohen is slated at birth to be a kohen, but not every kohen, even if he is the son of the previous kohen gadol, is slated to be the kohen gadol. To turn this possibility into a reality, a special sanctification process is needed.
What about a king? The Rambam (Melachim 1:7) says that the first in a dynasty is anointed with shemen hamischa, as David was by Shmuel, but this sanctification is transferable to all his offspring. Thus, as a rule, kings of the House of David were not anointed with shemen hamishcha. However, the Rambam says there were exceptions, in which subsequent kings from among David’s descendants were anointed. The Rambam cites three kings who were anointed because their ascension to the kingdom was questioned. Shlomo was challenged by Adoniyahu. Yehoash had to replace the bloody rule of Atalya, and Yehoyakim had to be elevated before his brother Yehoyakim. The Rambam says the shemen hamishcha was used in those cases "in order to remove machloket (conflict)." This implies that even though the king did not halachically require the anointing, it was justified to bring peace.
We already saw in Parashat Ki Tisa that the use of shemen hamishcha for a non-kohen is a tremendous chiddush. What we learn here is that not only is it justified when needed to appoint a king, which is after all a very special mitzva that affects the nation, but also to ensure a conflict-free reign. Indeed, peace is not only a crucial blessing in everyone’s home but a crucial element, on a national level, of the proper functioning of the Kingdom of Israel.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Returning Torah to its Central Standing – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312
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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.
