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Beit Midrash
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The Amora Shmuel said: "There is nothing between this world and the days of Mashiach but the enslavement to the kingdoms" (Berachot 34b). The Rambam (Commentary on the Mishna, introduction to the lastperek of Sanhedrin) accepts this approach. Any reasonable person will understand that one cannot have a Kingdom of Israel without assembling a military force, which is also needed to stop the subjugation of other forces and protect the people at the time ofMashiach. Since the nations will still be interested in destroying us, we will have no choice but to use this force.
This idea is all the clearer when looking at the way the Rambam comments on Bilam’s final prophecy (Bamidbar 24:14-19). "… I will advise you what this nation [Israel] will do to your nation at the end of days. … a tribe in Israel will arise and destroy the leaders of Moav and penetrate the Children of Seth. Edom will be conquered …" The Rambam (Melachim 11:1) explains as follows: "The King Mashiach will arise and return the Kingdom of David to its former Kingdom and build the Mikdash and gather the scattered of Israel, and all matters of justice will return to their previous state… these are all matters that are stated explicitly by the Torah and include everything that the Prophets wrote. These things were even mentioned in the section on Bilam, in which he prophesied about two Mashiachs. One is the first Mashiach, i.e., David, who saved Israel from their enemies, and there is also a last Mashiach, who will emanate from [David’s] offspring and will save Israel from the sons of Eisav." The Rambam continues by going through the parallel sections of the poetic description of the future events from our parasha. The first segment of each pasuk refers to David, and the second segment refers to the future Mashiach, pasuk after pasuk.
According to this, Mashiach is the "twin" of David. Thus, just as David assembled an army and took part successfully in battle, so too will Mashiach, even though we are told that it will be Mashiach who builds the final Beit Hamikdash. There is no contradiction between having an army and building a Beit Hamikdash. Thus, David could have been able to build the Mikdash despite his battles. At some future day, we will explain the p’sukim in Divrei Hayamim (I:22:8) that seem to say that it was the blood that David spilled that disqualified him.
Today as well, Hesder students combine the study of Torah with significant service in the IDF. They are, in that way, like the warriors of David, who sanctify Hashem’s name by taking part in Israel’s wars. May they and the rest of us merit seeing the building of the Beit Hamikdash.
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.