YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Tetzave
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.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
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.
