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Beit Midrash
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In the recounting of the inauguration of the Mishkan (in Parashat Shemini), the Torah also describes the preparations for the Divine Presence to descend, which it finally did in the form of a fire that "devoured" the offerings. The people, seeing this as a sign of the arrival of the Divine Presence, bowed down in response (Vayikra 9:24). Another time when fire and a cloud were the sign of the Divine Presence was at the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, as mentioned in Parashat Yitro (Shemot 19:18) and, at greater length, in Parashat Mishpatim (ibid. 24:15-18).
What is the connection between these external signs and the Divine Presence? Fire reminds us of sanctity and middat hadin (the attribute of strict justice). The cloud is always connected with an element of kavod – honor in a softer, more pleasant manner, and thus middat harachamim (the attribute of mercy).
The scholars of the more mystical truths of Torah explain the matter as follows. On one hand, Hashem is beyond human comprehension, and is distant from us. This is symbolized by middat hadin. On the other hand, He is close to us in that "there is no place that is without Him." This second element is symbolized by middat harachamim. The tension between these two ostensibly contradictory elements serves as the basis for generations of Jewish thought. We can describe two tracks of the expression of Hashem’s complex interaction with us. One is: strict justice, distance, fear, prohibition, intellect, and cold calculation. The other one is: mercy and compassion, closeness, love, permissibility, emotion, and warm relations.
May we merit Divine Revelation which combines the best of both elements.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
