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The question that is repeatedly asked on our parasha is how Bnei Yisrael, only weeks after experiencing the unparalleled, awesome revelation of the Divine Presence, could so easily demand an idol to lead them. The Ramban provides one of the most well known answers (on Shemot 32:1). He says that they were not looking for an alternative to Hashem but an alternative to Moshe in his leadership role as an intermediary between Hashem and the nation. He notes, among other things, that they asked for something to "walk among us," rather than a deity.
However, this explanation is difficult. If they wanted to replace Moshe, they should have found a human replacement, who could act as Moshe had. If their religious state had deteriorated to the point that they did not want Aharon, they might have chosen a Korach or Datan, who would have gladly offered their services. But how did believers in Hashem think that a hunk of metal could replace a human being? (It is easier for an idol to take Hashem’s place, k’v’yachol, in a person’s eyes, because man can anyway not fathom what Hashem is.)
The key to understanding the Ramban’s approach appears to be along the lines that we presented last week. In truth, Moshe, perhaps the holiest man in the history of the world, was still a man who functioned as humans do, albeit on a much higher level than others. But to some people at the time of the Exodus, the splitting of the sea, and the giving of the Torah, Moshe ceased to be a person. They saw him as a heavenly-sent, Divine miracle. If he was missing, there was no point to look for the best possible human replacement. In these people’s eyes, a replacement was inconceivable, even heretical. He would have to be replaced by another miracle, an intermediary between man and Hashem, who defied the rules of nature. Their memories brought back images of idol worship, which they rejected, in principle, but were influenced by, in practice. They decided that even though an idol was not G-d, idols could still bring about miracles, which man through his efforts to follow Hashem’s word in proper faith could never do. The line between that dangerous concept and true idol worship was quickly blurred and within a short time, some began worshipping the Golden Calf itself.
Sometimes good but naïve people glorify a concept or a person beyond its real, albeit elevated, status, turning it into something supernatural. They may surround it with such an aura that they perceive the concept or person so indispensable that they do not look for the best replacement. The Torah requires that people put even ideals and people of Moshe’s incredible level in proper perspective (only Hashem is incomparable). Thereby, they can avoid dangerous mistakes, which can come out of despair when their "idol" appears to desert them.
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D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
D'varim EXCUSES ARE RUNNING OUT
p. Dvarim, Shabbat Chazon, Tisha b'Av
p. Dvarim, Shabbat Chazon, Tisha b'Av
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.
