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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
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.
