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Beit Midrash
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In the Haggada, we read p’sukim (Yechezkel 16:6-7) that use the parable of the birth of a baby girl to represent Bnei Yisrael’s liberation from Egyptian bondage. The navi repeats the phrase "Through your blood shall you live." The midrash (Yalkut Shimoni 16) relates this to the blood of mila and the blood of Korban Pesach. What is the significance of the joint appearance of these two bloods?
Let us take a deep look at the liberation from Egypt, which was planned before bondage began (see Bereishit 15:13-14). We can understand the joy of those liberated from apparently random subjugation. However, when the subjugation and the liberation were decreed in advance, one could view the liberation as no more than the end of Hashem’s decree rather than a positive redemption. What, then, makes the Exodus from Egypt so special?
Avraham asked: "How will I know?" (ibid. 8). How does "You shall surely know …" (ibid. 13) answer his question? Avraham’s unique path started with him acting expansively with "the souls he made in Charan" and his concern for all, from the people of Sodom to nomads who visited his tent. But then he complained by doubting the significance of this legacy if he had no children (ibid. 3). Then mila also singled out his family as different from all others. Although the letter heh that was attached to his name confirms his remaining commitment to being "the father of many nations," his methods seem to have changed.
The unity of mankind is fundamental to the Torah. We all possess a Divine Image, and the One G-d of the world is ours jointly; he is not just a national G-d. But specifically due to this, there must be a leading nation, which serves as a heart among the body’s organs. With this in mind, Avraham asked how he should know he will merit this special task. Hashem answered that he will know because a special historical path awaits his descendants. Their experiences will train them to embrace a national legacy of tikkun olam.
The Sons of Israel entered Egyptian society with a belief that if they contributed to it, they would be seen as loyal citizens and treated as of the same blood. Once Yosef died, they stopped singling themselves by doing mila (Shemot Rabba 1:8) but learned the hard way that their feelings of unity went unreciprocated. While Bnei Yisrael stood out (Haggada), this was the Egyptians’ doing, as they "stamped ‘Jid’ on their passports" and put them in ghettos.
In some ways, many ethnic groups have been subjugated and have fought successfully for their freedom. However, everything having to do with our liberation was uniquely miraculous.
"Through your blood shall you live." There is blood that makes one recognize his uniqueness. However, this applies to others as well. There are non-Jews who have been circumcised, and some have had their blood spilled in pursuit of independence. However, they do so to have an easier life and gain access to physical desires, like a roasted goat. It is special, though, to take the roasted goat and turn it into a sacrifice – to become independent only to agree to be dependant on the Master of the Universe. Here is where the double blood comes in. We give of ourselves for the service of Hashem instead of taking natural treasures that Hashem gives for our own interests like the nations do. We share with the world the word of Hashem that emanates from Zion. We pray for a restoration of a Sanctuary like at the time of Moshe and Shlomo (see Vayikra Rabba 7) – the former, at a time of isolation and the latter, at a time of expansion. The convergence of the two is the content of our geula.
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.
