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Beit Midrash
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Simha bat Hana
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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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.