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The aron and the keruvim (cherubim), which rose out of the kaporet that covered the aron, symbolize the close relationship between the Jewish Nation and Hashem. The Rabbis explain the apparent contradiction on whether the keruvim faced each other or faced outward by saying that when Bnei Yisrael behaved appropriately, the images faced each other to demonstrate love between them and their Maker, and when not, not (Bava Batra 99a). The special mode of communication between Hashem and Moshe also took place from in between the keruvim (Bamidbar 7:89). We can thus say that the situation regarding the aron and keruvim were the litmus test of Bnei Yisrael’s spiritual status at a given time.
Not only were the location and configuration of a stationary aron significant, but its transport also had special significance in regard to the revelation of the Divine Presence. The pasuk that we recite whenever we open our arks to remove a sefer Torah is : "When the aron traveled, Moshe would say: ‘Arise, Hashem, and Your enemies will scatter, and those who hate You will flee from before You’" (Bamidbar 10:35). This opening of the aron represents an attempt to draw Jews closer to Hashem, through public Torah study with an eye toward proper implementation. Yet the pasuk’s simple meaning discusses a different element of Jewish life, which was dormant for 2,000 years- national life. It discusses going out to war, a phenomenon that applies only when there is an independent, Jewish, national entity. The nation asks Hashem to accompany them into battle and smite their enemies, which are, in effect, His enemies (as Tehillim 83: 3-4 alludes to).
The two approaches to whether the pasuk about the aron is related to Torah study or to Bnei Yisrael’s national needs find expression in other places. In the beginning of "Zot Haberacha" (with a similar language used in Devorah’s song) it describes Hashem’s coming to reveal Himself before Bnei Yisrael. Rashi (Devarim 33:2) connects the description to the revelation at Mt. Sinai as the Torah was given. However, Ibn Ezra says that it refers to Hashem "going out" to protect His nation, as we find in the aforementioned pasuk regarding the aron.
In summary, the aron symbolizes the dwelling of the Divine Presence from a spiritual, Torah perspective and from a national perspective. Let us pray for its renewal in both realms.
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.
