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Beit Midrash
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In the description of the creation of the first woman (ibid. 21-23), a prominently repeated word is tzela. This word shares the first two Hebrew letters with tzelem, and in both cases, the connection between man and woman is in the forefront. Let us try to understand the significance of the tzela to this element of creation. According to the standard opinion in Chazal (Bereishit Rabba 80) and among commentaries such as the Ramban, the tzela is the bone (rib) from Adam’s body from which she was created. Another opinion connects the word to the one for the "side wall" of the Mishkan. Accordingly, Adam and Eve were created back-to-back as full forms, who were separated from each other’s side. The varied opinions can be said to symbolize different outlooks as to the relative prominence of man and woman.
Let us now connect tzela to a third and related concept – a physical phenomenon with great spiritual implications – tzel (a shadow). The Rama (Orach Chayim 664:1) cites the belief that there is a hint in the shadow of the moon on Hoshana Rabba as to what will happen to a person and his relatives during the course of the year. The Rama, though, prefers the opinion that one should not seek to see that hint: because it can be a bad omen, because few people can decipher it, and because it is better to be tamim (unquestioning) rather than try to predict the future.
We can suggest, then, that tzel represents the connection with Hashem. This certainly finds expression with the aforementioned tzelem. It continues with the life-giving force that accompanied the taking of the tzela from Adam. The removal of one’s tzel is a sign of their disconnection from its life source (see Bamidbar 14:9). We can now more greatly appreciate the statement of Chazal that when husband and wife are interacting properly, the Divine Presence is among them (Sota 17a). The tzela represents a person’s ability to strive for spiritual greatness and cling to the Divine Presence despite his having come from earth. His connection to his/her spouse is a secret recipe for success.
Returning to the sukka, its shade also represents the closeness to Hashem, and a sukka must have mainly shade to be kosher. The word hatzala (salvation) is also related. We receive salvation when Hashem protects us.
May we merit having personal and national connection to Hashem, and, in the merit of the tzela, may we maximize the tzelem and have hatzala.
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.
