YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Terumah
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Adir ben Bracha
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.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
