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Beit Midrash
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Our Rabbis discussed why this week was chosen as the time to read about Para Aduma. Some say that it is related to the fact that the month of Nisan is approaching, as the Para Aduma is needed to prepare people for partaking in the Korban Pesach. (Interestingly, both of them are called a chuka, which we usually translate as a mitzva whose reasoning is unknown to us). Indeed, in the desert, they burnt a slaughtered Para Aduma soon before the month of Nisan, in order to sprinkle its ashes on Bnei Yisrael right after the Mishkan was erected. Some explain that it has to do with our hope for ultimate redemption, which, sources indicate, will occur in Nisan, as the Para Aduma will return to use at that time.
We will try to explain the matter slightly differently. Rashi (based on a midrash) explains the opening of Parashat Para, "This the chuka of the Torah" (Bamidbar 19:2), as follows: "Because the Satan and the nations of the world scoff at Israel, saying: ‘What is this mitzva, and what reasoning does it have behind it?’ Therefore, it says that it is a chuka. It is a decree from before Me, and you do not have permission to cast aspersions on it." Rashi’s words teach us two principles.
Mitzvot have to pass the "test of common sense and logic." Since all of our actions have to be based on the rules of clear logic, the mitzvot, which are the basis of our lives, also have to meet these standards. To the extent that we do not conform to this rule, we will be allowing the Satan and the nations of the world to have claims against us.
Within the apparatus of mitzvot that conform to this idea of logic, there are a small number of mitzvot that are exceptions that are identified as chukim. If the exceptions turned into the rule, then Torah Judaism would turn into something distant from us. If one felt such was the situation, he would be susceptible to the arguments of the Satan. It is upon this backdrop that the midrash tells how even Moshe questioned Hashem about the logic of ashes purifying, until Hashem assured him that this is a chuka (Psikta D’Rav Kahane 4).
We all try to purify and improve our way of thinking, our actions and the status of our nation. We must always take steps in a manner that is measured, based on logic, and it is strictly forbidden to act irrationally, certainly not in a way that endangers oneself or the welfare of the nation. On the other hand, we must remember that not always will things be fully understood. There will be things that exceed human intellect.
We can illustrate this idea with the natural sciences, which, on the one hand, are explored with the idea that theories are to be analyzed and exposed to experimentation. Yet, one of the important ideas in particle physics is the principle of uncertainty. Let us express that in a different way. We will never know the answer to the paradox as to whether Schrodinger’s cat is alive or dead.
As Nisan and the season of liberation approaches, we need to know that our steps toward full liberation should be taken logically. Even though we have experienced miracles, such as the very establishment of the State of Israel, miracles are the exception. We should proceed in a manner that does not give the nations of the world unnecessary ammunition to attack our actions.
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.