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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Hana
Our esteemed mentor, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, zt"l, addresses this discrepancy in one of his many correspondences. He writes that the Midrash, in a number of places, mentions the fact that before this world was created, the Almighty was "creating worlds and destroyed them." In other words, there were early stages of creation which eventually led to the creation of our present world. Science possesses no proof that there was never a planetary cataclysm and a new creation.
But actually we do not need this idea, says Rabbi Kook, since even if it were proven that the order of creation was through the evolution of the species, this would not contradict the Torah, for the Torah's account of creation "conceals more than it reveals," and the entire episode is one of the secrets of the Torah which is not to be understood literally.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
15 - 19. Divine Providence and Prophetic Revelation
16 - 14. Contradictions between Science and Torah
17 - 15. Perceiving God
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Scientific calculations of the universe's age do not weaken our faith. To the contrary, they strengthen it. The awesomeness of God's creation grows more and more, leading to a recognition that, "Your creations are so numerous, God" (Psalms 104:24) and "How great are Your deeds" (ibid. 92:6). "Lift your eyes up to the Heavens and see who created all of these" (Isaiah 40:26). Faith is becoming more refined, more abstract than we could have ever fathomed. This is true regarding every stratum of society.
Thus, there is no contradiction between the Torah tradition which functions on one level and science which functions on another. With Adam, creation was renewed and a new world order began - a Divine manifestation of creation, intervention, and providence as described by the Torah.
All the same, despite everything that we have said here, it is entirely possible that today's scientific viewpoint will at some point in time change, and new studies will reveal that there was indeed a renewal of creation at the time indicated by the Torah. This would not be the first time that science confirms that which is written in the Torah after having held the opposite. Indeed, recent archaeological research actually confirms the text of the Torah and shows that earlier scientific assumptions were mistaken.
In summary, the sages of the Midrash teach us that there were stages of creation which predate the biblical date. It is quite possible that science will confirm the Torah tradition regarding the renewal of creation. Yet, even if it turns out that scientific conclusions do not concur with the Torah position, no threat will posed to the validity of the Torah; the Torah functions in the realm of religious faith, and as far as this realm is concerned there was indeed an intensification in Divine Providence and Revelation in the world at that time. This is what the Torah describes as the creation of our world and the first human being.
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.
