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Beit Midrash
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What the Rabbis are teaching us is that there is a causal connection between these three statements and periods. Yirmiya asked in deep pain how the tragedy of destruction could have occurred. The answer was from the prophet Yeshaya, who preceded him: how could the people of the formerly trustworthy city be so treacherous and unfaithful (Yeshaya 1:21). The question of how that could be the moral state finds answer from the time of Moshe, who had such trouble dealing with the bickering and arguments from his constituents.
Indeed we have a principle regarding Jewish history that the development of historical processes is not by chance but based on internal connections. From where did the roots of destruction emanate? Hashem invited the nation to receive the Land that he chose for them (Devarim 1:8). It could have been much easier. Instead, their actions caused them to wander in the desert for 40 years and then not complete the task of expelling the nations and taking full control of the Land throughout the time of the Judges and even the early Kings. The Torah explains: "You did not desire to go up [to the Land], and you disobeyed the word of Hashem" (ibid. 26). Rashi explains that there was nothing stopping them, and they could have taken the Land without battle or weapons if not for the sin of the spies.
But even the spies are just a link in the chain. It began with what Moshe complained of – the people’s lack of trust in their Torah leadership. Even when the problems emanated from the people, they blamed their leadership. They saw the Torah and its espousers as their problem. This caused the moral deterioration that Yeshaya spoke of, which lead to the destruction that Yirmiya witnessed. First, the people were internally destroyed; then, the kingdom fell.
The way to improve things follows the same line. First there must be trust in the Torah and its spokesmen. This is as our haftara prescribes: "I will return your judges as they were originally and your advisors as from the outset; then you will be called the city of justice, the trustworthy town" (Yeshaya 1:26).
Texts of Jewish Thought Why are Tanach Heroes Also Physically Strong and Military Heroes?
Rav Kook, Orot Hamilchama - Part II
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
