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Beit Midrash
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An oft-asked question is why the first pasuk in our Sedra of Re’eh seems to have a grammatical mistake: The word "Re’eh (see)" is singular, while the complimentary word "lifneychem (before you)" is plural! It ought to read either, "R’u lifnechem" or "Re’eh l’fanecha!" What gives?
Let’s answer by….asking another question!
The Torah later says we should do that which is "good and right," ha-tov v’ha-yashar, in the eyes of G-d. What is the difference between "good" and "right?" And why the "eyes?"
Rashi comments that "good" means "good in the eyes of Heaven," while "right" means "right in the eyes of man." What Rashi seems to be saying is we have been given two eyes, rather than one, for a good reason: We must, at all times, look up to the Heavens and be sure that we are acting in the way Hashem would want us to act.
At the same time, it is not enough to seek approval for our actions in the Heavenly court alone. The way we act must also be palatable to those around us; how they look upon our behavior is also of paramount importance.
This requires us to constantly check on what we are doing. Yes, G-d may love it when we exuberantly sing out in prayer to Him and loudly praise His name. But how does the person davening next to us feel about it?! Are we impinging on his ability to pray with concentration?
And yes, it is a very noble thing, for example, to march for the cause of human rights. But – if that march happens to be on a Saturday and desecrates the Shabbat - have we truly brought honor to Hashem’s name?!
Now, perhaps, we can answer our initial question about the unusual combination of the singular and the plural in the opening sentence of our sedra. Each of us has a personal, unique relationship with G-d, a "one-on-one" that accompanies us every moment of our lives. And we
have to be true to that singular dynamic, and appreciate just how special that makes each and every one of us.
But we must also recognize that we are not alone in this world, we are part of a greater whole, a community, a worldwide family. What we do affects not only ourselves; it extends far and wide. Not only are we connected to G-d; we are joined at the neshama with every other Jew. So we have to look carefully in both directions, and be "right" and "good" at the same time.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
