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The centerpiece of the eight items worn by the Kohen Gadol was the Choshen. Attached to the Ephod vest, this breastplate contained 4 rows of three precious gems each, representing the 12 Tribes, whose names were engraved into the stones. (There were several other words as well, in order to complete all the letters of the Alef-Bet). The letters would light up at certain times, indicating G-d’s approval.
The pasuk (28:29) says: "Ahron carried the names of Bnei Yisrael in the ‘Choshen of Judgment’ when entering the holy place, as an eternal remembrance before Hashem." Two questions shout out: Why was this called a Choshen of "judgment?" And what, exactly, was
Hashem meant to "remember" when he saw it?
The classic answer to these questions is that the names of the Tribes evoked Hashem’s love for His nation, just as a parent feels proud and loving when thinking of his own children. And so when G-d had to render judgment, He tended to be more lenient, merciful and forgiving, as He recalled that "father-son" connection and all the great things His children did during their lives.
We, alas, no longer have the Choshen to stir Hashem’s attribute of Rachamaim upon us. But the clothes we DO wear - be they religious items, like the Talit, kipa or Tefilin; or our everyday, modestly appropriate garb - can still serve to send a strong message above to the Almighty. IF we have the right thoughts in mind:
- Let our clothes represent the compassion and courage of Avraham and Sara, who cared for everyone around them, who loved their neighbors and brought them closer to the One G-d; who bravely left their homes to forge a new life in Israel; who held onto their faith until at last they had a child and heir.
- Let our clothes represent the Mesirat Nefesh both of Yitzchak, who was ready to give his life for Hashem; and Rivka, who sacrificed the love of one son in order to guide the other to his rightful place of leadership.
- Let our clothes represent the perseverance of Yakov, who faced every imagineable challenge of life and battled on; and the modesty of Rachel Imenu - she asked for so little but gave so much.
If we are "clothes-minded," and we literally wear our virtues upon us, we will surely continue to bring Hashem’s blessing down upon us.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
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.
