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Rashi (Shemot 28:15,30) explains what this element of the kohen gadol’s clothes has to do with mishpat (judgment). The Holy Name of Hashem was inserted into the choshen mishpat, and it would help clarify what the proper ruling or punishment was for each case. The choshen was present at the time of all the Temples. However, in the second Beit Hamikdash, while the choshen was present (without it, he would be missing a garment necessary for him to serve), the Name was not in it, and the miraculous feature did not exist.
Rashi identifies but does not fully explain the particulars of the connection between the choshen and the apparatus of justice. Let us explore a thesis of the students of the Gra, which distinguishes between what transpired before and after the sin of the Golden Calf and the great spiritual fall that it caused.
While the discussion of a choshen mishpat and the Name that enabled miracles is found in the command to prepare the Mishkan’s provisions, in the description of its actually being made (ibid. 39:8-21), which took place after the Golden Calf, these crucial elements are left out. It is called just a choshen (without "mishpat"), and it is not described as being on Aharon’s heart.
We have written in the past how King Shlomo tried to return the nation to its level before the colossal sin. Therefore, for example, he made four keruvim instead of two in the Holy of Holies. Likewise, the gemara (Rosh Hashana 21b) says that Shlomo sought to judge people based on his heart, without the need for witnesses or warnings. However, a voice from the heaven warned him not to do so. Based on these introductory points, let us suggest the following.
Before the Golden Calf, Bnei Yisrael were on a level in which they could use the choshen mishpat that was to be on Aharon’s heart to determine true justice miraculously. Aharon’s high level, which would have enabled this feat, stemmed from the high level of the nation, which was similar to that of Adam before his sin. Unfortunately, we slipped again, and "matters of the heart" were once again inadmissible as evidence. The choshen had other purposes to serve, but it no longer was valuable for mishpat. Only proofs that are based on strict logic or valid testimony can be used. That is the only way to receive justice.
Let us pray that batei din throughout the world, including our own Eretz Hemdah-Gazit, will merit in reaching the truth with the tools the Torah puts at our disposal.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.