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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Ki Tisa
Ki Tisa is a veritable cholent of a sedra, with so many seemingly diverse topics, including: The census; Shabbat, the 13 Midot; the Luchot; Bikurim (first fruits); Pidyon Haben &, of course, the epochal saga of the Golden Calf. Do they all somehow connect with each other?
The parsha begins with the commandment to hold a census. We are told, several times, that the giving of the ½ shekel by each individual
(via which the people were counted) was an "atonement for the soul." How, exactly, did this atonement work?
The Hebrew word usually used for atonement is "Kaper" or "Kapara," as in "Yom HaKipurim." But that same root, KPR, also can mean "covering," as in the word "kaporet," the ark-cover (also mentioned in our sedra). The connection: Any act which we perform, any Mitzva that we do, brings us closer to Hashem & provides our souls with a protective cover, just as body armor protects our physical bodies.
Prior to receiving the Torah & its 613 Mitzvot, the primary – if not the only – qualification of being a loyal Jew was a belief in One G-d. When we substituted for Hashem & worshipped the calf – interestingly called (32:8) an "Egel Masecha," a calf with a cover, or mask - we violated that all-important belief, & so our "cover" was removed. This is what Moshe meant when he said we were "exposed;" there are few worse fates than death by exposure.
To symbolize the removal of the cover, we were told (33:5) to remove our jewelry, the symbol of our status as Chosen People.
But all was not lost. Moshe argues strenuosly on our behalf & he receives new Luchot. He instructs us to "re-dress" ourselves through the performance of key, basic Mitzvot: Tzedaka (i.e. the half-shekel); Shabbat; Teshuva (whose code words are the 13 Midot) the Chagim; the offerings in the Mishkan. In this way, we can once again gain Divine protection & blessing. We can re-affirm that we are His firstborn, as symbolized by the Bikurim & the Pidyon ha-Ben ceremonies.
Consider: In Jewish life, many of the ritual objects we use have a cover. Tefilin, Mezuza, a Sefer Torah, the Aron are covered. Challa on Shabbat, Matza at the Seder, the Shofar on Rosh Hashana are covered. This is not just a coincidence. We are being subtly informed that holiness is not naked; it wears a protective cover & shield.
The holiest object of all is our soul, our neshama. It is constantly being exposed to danger: Greed, lust, envy, apathy, jealousy, anger, disillusionment swirl around us. Our only hope to avoid infection is to "cover up" by donning the Mitzvot. They’re the best way to stay warm - & safe.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
