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Beit Midrash
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It is strange structurally for the Torah to insert, at the point of summary, a new halacha of not entering the Mikdash, when this topic is dealt with elsewhere (including Bamidbar 5:3) but not here. It is also hard to pinpoint the meaning of the phrase "separate Bnei Yisrael from their impurity." If this halacha instructs not to enter the Mikdash in that state, it should say to separate from the sacred while tamei, not separate from the tamei. It is difficult to say that it means that the pure should stay away from the impure because neither the text nor the Torah sheb’al peh on it offers such an indication.
Turning to Bamidbar 5, where the positive and negative commandments of not entering the Mikdash while tamei appear (see Sefer Hachinuch #362, #363), the Torah says, "Send out of the encampment" a variety of people who are tamei. However, Chazal explain that they do not have to leave the main encampment, just the area of the Mikdash. This too is difficult. Since people do not live in that area, they do not need to be sent away but rather should be instructed not to approach the sacred area.
We can suggest an answer to all these questions with the help of the Sifra on our original pasuk. Chazal expound on the words "My sanctum that is in their midst" that "even though they are impure, My Divine Presence is in their midst." If that is the case, then the problematic confrontation between the impure and the sacred exists even when the tamei person remains where he is. On a practical basis, there is ostensibly little the person can do. He can’t run away from himself, and he cannot tell the Divine Presence not to approach when he is tamei.
Thus, the p’sukim write the halachot as if the tamei was to be sent away from his home (as hinted in Bamidbar 5) and stay away from the tumah in his own midst (as hinted in Vayikra 15). Practically, a person is to stay away from especially holy places. He is also to use the systems of purification spelled out previously in our parasha which "separates himself" from his own tumah. Not only does this save him from mistakenly going where he is halachically forbidden, but also removes the spiritually unnatural situation of "hosting" the Divine Presence while in a state of tumah.
We should always view ourselves as striving for purity and realizing our potential for sanctity and connection with the Divine Presence. Even if there are few operative halachot of tumah in our days, our mindset should be one of people connected to these two values.
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.