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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
The Ramban and others bring a midrash that the name Peretz indicates that he represents the moon, which breaks forth and is more or less visible depending on the times, whereas Zerach represents the sun, which shines consistently. So too, the kingdom from Peretz is sometimes fuller and sometimes shrinks and disappears. (For this reason, we mention the House of David during Kiddush Levana, as we want it to shine again, like the relatively new moon under which we stand.) The midrash asks that the firstborn should correspond to the more prominent sun, and its answer is apparently that Zerach was also first somewhat in that his hand came out first. What does the symbolism of the sun and the moon teach us about kingdom in Israel?
The moon, even when full, is but a reflection of the light of the sun. Furthermore, the moon is full when we see the part that faces the sun and "disappears" when none of its surface that we can see faces the sun. Indeed, the Jewish king, with all his power and greatness, derives his true "light" from Bnei Yisrael. While he helps bring about the nation’s success, when the nation does not deserve its king, it will not merit having one. The success of the king is also dependent on the extent to which he faces the nation, addresses its needs, and displays and represents that which is positive in the nation.
Although, as we saw, it was important that Peretz, father of the lineage of David, was ultimately the firstborn, and although the lineage was primarily transferred from father to oldest son, there is also importance to that which was younger or smaller. As Rabbeinu Bachyei points out, David himself, like the moon, was referred to as the katan (young one) (Shmuel I 17:14). Physically also, David was not a giant, and he looked out of place trying to fit into Shaul’s armor and fighting Goliat. But he broke forth, and went beyond his apparent capabilities, like his forefather, Peretz. Shaul, on the other hand, while he was the tallest in all of Israel, did not live up to his capabilities and was accused of being katan in his own eyes (ibid. 15:17).
May we merit the restoration of the House of David and the accompanying restoration of the moon to its formal glory as it was before it was reduced (from Kiddush Levana).
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.
