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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Nitzavim
We have, in the past, demonstrated that the word nitzavim is a reference to a setting of revelation of Divine Presence and that the unity of different elements of society described there is a condition for that Presence. The idea of "all of you," along with the widely diverse elements of society, is a sign of the importance that the Torah gives to social justice. Whatever people’s roles and status in society in general, all are equal in their ability to take part in the holy convocation with Hashem.
In many societies, the right to be involved in spiritual affairs, to learn and benefit from such experiences, was reserved for the elite within society. Here the idea is the opposite. In order for anyone to benefit from the status of the "chosen nation," the nation has to give every member of the nation the right to be included and to open the window of spirituality before them. The leadership and the "elite" in society, mentioned in the beginning of the pasuk, must ensure that this is the case.
Every coin has two sides, and in this case, the opportunity afforded to all also places the yoke of responsibility upon all. The entire nation was "passed through the covenant" (ibid. 11). The covenant requires the powerful to include everyone in it and thereby create a whole nation that is responsible for the conditions of the covenant. The covenant was not limited to that generation, but all future generations were included as well – as the Torah writes, "Those who are with us here and now, and those who are not… (ibid. 13-14).
We call upon the leadership of the country who are responsible for spreading the spiritual treasures of our nation, such as the Chief Rabbis and the Minister of Education, to help all the citizens of Israel gain access to as much truth and spirituality as they possibly can. All should be invited to take part in our national legacy. This call is especially important on the doorstep of a new year. Without allowing all to taste the good we have, we will not succeed in calling all to take part in the obligations of the covenant. As Rav Kook has taught us, the love of religion and respect for it must precede the observance of the religion.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
