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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
R. Meir Simcha of D’vinsk, in Meshech Chuchma (Bereishit 30:6), says that Ya’akov omitted the camels to hint to Eisav that their paths were different. Eisav had an important distinction that he, like Ya’akov and unlike Yishmael, was the son of both a patriarch and a matriarch. Eisav also possessed special virtues, as, in Yaakov’s absence, he continued serving his parents, living in Eretz Yisrael, and giving tithes. On the other hand, these virtues were coupled with severe sins, such as murder and adultery (compare Rashi on Bereishit 25: 25,27, & 29). Thus, Eisav had elements of both good and bad, like the camel, which chews its cud but does not have split hooves, (or the pig, to which Eisav is often compared - see Bereishit Rabba 65-1). In contrast, Yaakov was whole in his spiritual status, like the other animals, which had two signs of purity.
Looking further, at the struggle between the descendants of Yaakov and Eisav, we see that those who ride on camels played a prominent role. When David fought the Amalekis, he smote all except 400 young men who escaped on camels (Shmuel I, 30:17). What is the significance of this description? Although Eisav came with 400 men and hostile intentions to meet Yaakov, his entourage is not mentioned when he left. The midrash (Bereishit Rabba 78:15) says that the 400 men did not want to get "burnt by the coal of Yaakov" and abandoned Eisav along the way. The midrash tells us that the 400 escapees can be attributed to the act of those 400 deserters.
The word, "gamal," (camel in Hebrew) can also mean to repay. One should repay a person for his kindness. Eisav and his descendants failed to treat Yaakov and his descendants properly, as the navi, Ovadya tells: "For the oppression of your brother, Yaakov, disgrace will cover you ... as you did, it will be done to you, your repayment (g’mulcha) will return to your head" (1:10-15). The fact that they used the negative elements of the camel, not the positive, is responsible for their ultimate downfall. As Rivka was told and as Ovadya prophesied, Yaakov and his descendants will gain the upper hand and, after Eisav is dealt with, will lead a world where Hashem will have complete dominion (ibid.:21). May it happen soon.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
