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Simha bat Hana
Not only is there a mitzva to eat the Korban Pesach but there are also many halachot of how to eat it. It must be roasted, must not be underdone, must be eaten in one night, and one must not break its bones. The Sefer Hachinuch explains that all of these halachot enable the eating to resemble that of noblemen. Apparently, the Korban Pesach is not just to thank Hashem for saving us (although that is a major part of it). Rather, we are supposed to celebrate in style. But why should we celebrate specifically within the context of a korban?
Before answering, let us see a fascinating passage in the Ohr Hachayim. The Korban Pesach should be eaten along with matza and maror (bitter herbs) (Shemot 12:8). The simple explanation is that even when focused on that which the Korban Pesach represents, we should not forget the hard work that maror represents or the concepts behind matza. However, the Ohr Hachayim (ad loc.) explains that the matza and maror improve the Korban Pesach’s taste. Is good taste the extent of the significance of matza and maror in this context? Actually, the Ohr Hachayim explains that something very deep lies behind the surface of the improved taste.
The Ohr Hachyim says that the Korban Pesach represents the essence of geula (liberation), maror represents the exile, and the matza represents the speed with which the geula was carried out. Just as the physical matza and maror make the Korban Pesach taste better, so too did the speed of the liberation and even the fact that it was preceded by exile give the geula more significance. He explains that Bnei Yisrael wouldn’t have reached the level they did had without the exile that preceded the geula.
Returning to the matter of celebratory eating, let us realize the following. The more we use physical celebration to appreciate our freedom and our status of nobility, the more we can grasp the magnitude of that which Hashem did for our nation when he liberated us from Egyptian bondage with miracles and signs. Let us always appreciate and thank Hashem for the good He bestows upon us.
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
