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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Pkudei
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Simha bat Hana
Rashi, citing Midrash Tanchuma, makes use of the word, mishkan’s similarity to the word for collateral, saying that the two Temples were taken away as collateral (i.e. destroyed) when Bnei Yisrael sinned. Based on the word, p’kudei’s double meaning as countings and being missing, the Chatam Sofer says that the lacking, which was responsible for the Temple’s destruction, was the fact that Moshe was missing. Had Moshe done all of the preparations for the Mishkan himself, it would not have been destroyed. If that is so, why didn’t Moshe indeed do everything himself? (Hashem commanded Moshe to involve Betzalel and Ohaliav (ibid. 31:1-6) so one cannot say that Moshe erred in this matter).
Before attempting to answer, let us deal with another question. The Gur Aryeh asks why Rashi waited to mention the double meaning of the word, mishkan, with its hint of the Mishkan’s vulnerability, until almost the end of the Torah’s discussion of the Mishkan. He answers that it was the counting of the donations that put the Temple in danger. Indeed, he says, whenever things are counted, the evil eye has the ability to ruin them. The same was true about the public giving of the Torah. We can ask again: so why count if it is so dangerous?
One answer can solve both related problems. Moshe could have done everything himself secretly, and then the Mishkan could have survived. But what would have been had Moshe done so and not gotten others, representing wider circles of Bnei Yisrael, involved in its construction? What if not everyone had given half a shekel, which needed to be counted? Apparently, we would have had a stable Mishkan, which would have enabled the spiritual elite to bring sacrifices and worship. But under those circumstances, Klal Yisrael, the nation whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts, would not have been involved and connected. The part of the "simple person," who may have much greater significance than meets the eye, would have been missing. Only when Bnei Yisrael as a whole donate and are involved in constructing the Sanctuary can the Divine Presence dwell in each and every one (see Shemot 25: 1-8).
Painful as the trade-off is, it is better to have a vulnerable Temple for all, than a solid ivory tower.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.
