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Is it possible that the Canaanites actually stooped that low? More importantly, was there really a chance that the sons of Avraham, people described as merciful, shy, and full of kindness, could embark on such a path?
If we take a look at p’sukim throughout Tanach, we indeed see that not only did the seven nations and the descendants of Lot commit the heinous crime of killing their own children, but even members of our own nation did so. We will prove this claim based on two sources.
The first is related to the account of King Yehoshafat of the Kingdom of Judea, who helped King Yehoram of the Kingdom of Israel put down the rebellion of King Meisha of Moav. The aftermath of the battle is described as follows: "The King of Moav saw that the battle was beyond his strength … and he took his oldest son, who was to rule after him, and brought him as a sacrifice on the wall, and there was great anger at Israel, and they left him and returned to their place" (Melachim II, 3:26-7). There are many opinions as to what happened, as Rav and Shmuel (Sanhedrin 39b) argued as to whether Meisha brought his son as a sacrifice to Hashem or to idolatry. Regarding the anger against Bnei Yisrael, the gemara explains that if Meisha sacrificed for idolatry, the anger at Bnei Yisrael was that some of them had done the same.
In Sefer Yeshaya, within the prophecies of consolation, there are p’sukim that illustrate how drastic the deterioration reached at the time of King Menasheh (Yeshaya 57:3-7). The p’sukim speak of bringing objectionable sacrifices and of slaughtering the children under the trees along the streams. Although the words are difficult to translate (and so, we did not try to present them in this forum), it is hard to deny that the p’sukim refer to the exact phenomenon that we initially wondered if it could occur within our nation.
Let us summarize the situation as follows. Bnei Yisrael are the chosen and beloved of Hashem and are referred to as "the holy flock" and a "light unto the nations." Yet, as great as their level, so is the magnitude of the spiritual fall that they can experience. Let us make our efforts that we make continuous strides in the proper direction.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
