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So what is the deeper message being transmitted here, through the medium of the korbanot?
The Rambam offers 2 reasons for bringing the korbanot: One is that korbanot were a means of weaning the Jewish nation from the then-prevalent cult of idolatry. But this reason is rejected by the Ramban & others, who remind us that korbanot preceded idolatry, as indicated
by the fact that Noach & even the family of Adam – the very first human – brought offerings to G-d!
So Maimonides suggests another idea: Animals were among the things which were worshipped by the nations (e.g. the sheep by ancient Egypt, or cows which are worshipped even today in India) & so bringing an animal for a korban indicates the superiority of Man over the animal kingdom!
Nachmanides counters with his approach: He says that when one offers up an animal, it is as if he himself deserves to die for his sins, but the animal is being sacrificed in his place (just as a ram was offered up by Avraham at the Akeida, in place of his son Yitzchak). This should
give the person bringing the offering great pause, as he realizes that he is culpable for his actions & should serve to humble him before G-d.
And so we have these twin, seemingly opposite emotions at work: Hubris & Humility. A person, on the one hand, must recognize that he is Hashem’s greatest creation, a marvelous creature endowed with a holy neshama, far above the animal kingdom. At the same time, we are
always at G-d’s mercy, a frail & fragile being who sins, & must appeal for Divine clemency & compassion.
This, I suggest, should be the posture of the newly-elected (or re-elected) Knesset. Appreciate the fact that you have been elevated to one of the highest positions in the entire world, the leadership of the Jewish People, that you are now a Chosen among the Chosen. At the same
time, do not let it go to your head; do not believe that you are above review or reproach. While we hope you will not become a korban, be prepared to sacrifice for the nation & to offer all your many talents to its diverse citizens.
Good luck – you will need it!
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.