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Beit Midrash
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Tannaim already disputed the understanding of the ceasing of bad animals from the Land. Rabbi Yehuda said the species would be removed from the world. Rabbi Shimon said that they would only stop damaging (Sifra, Bechukotai 1). The Rishonim also argue about the understanding of the p’sukim. The Rambam and his followers explain the p’sukim as a parable. The Ra’avad and others explain them as miraculous changes in nature. The Ramban explains them as changes that will take place to mankind.
It is possible to connect the above machloket to that between the Rambam and the Ra’avad concerning the building of the third Beit Hamikdash. The Rambam (Beit Habechira 1:1) rules: "It is a mitzva to build a house for Hashem." Then he goes into detail about the steps to make it a most beautiful edifice. He also discusses when and how it can or cannot be built. The Rambam (ibid. 6:14) also rules that there is no need to re-sanctify the location because the first sanctification, which was performed by Shlomo, was for its time and for the future. In any case, it is clear from the Rambam that the third Beit Hamikdash will be built naturally by man.
The Ra’avad (ad loc.) argues and says that even according to those who say that the second sanctification of the Land lasted into the future agree that Yerushalayim and the place of the Beit Hamikdashwere slated for re-sanctification. This is because Ezra knew that things were to change in the future, and the sanctity was to be of a different divine order. Based on a "secret of Hashem that He revealed to those who fear Him," the Ra’avad believed that miracles would occur in the context of the building of the third Temple.
Thus these two central Rishonim are consistent in their perspective on the time of Mashiach. Whether in regard to dangerous animals or building the Beit Hamikdash, the Rambam believed in wonderful times, but times in which nature will not be fundamentally altered. The Ra’avad believed in an abundance of miracles and new, special realities.
In these days, between Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, we thank Hashem for all the good that He has bestowed upon us and pray for the coming of the full liberation, whether it come in the manner that the Rambam or the Ra’avad foresaw.
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.
