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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
Rashi points out that when the Kohen Gadol sins, it affects everyone, because the nation needs a properly functioning Kohen Gadol in order to achieve atonement on an ongoing basis. This raises the responsibility of the various leaders, whose success is the success of the nation. The Seforno seems to take an opposite approach. He cites the gemara (Berachot 34b) that says that when a chazzan errs during his tefilla, it is a sign that the congregation is not in good standing before Hashem. Likewise, the leader would not have made a serious mistake had the nation not been on a level that made that possible. The danger with this approach is that it seems to give the powerful members of a society, who should bear responsibility, the excuse to hide behind others and avoid blame for their own shortcomings. We will thus concentrate on the Meshech Chuchma’s explanations.
Focusing on the Kohen Gadol, the Meshech Chuchma says that the nation is unlikely to reject the actions of the Kohen Gadol, the one person who may enter the Holy of Holies and who is a revered teacher of Torah. Therefore, his accidental sin is likely to become a model for other members of the nation to sin similarly (4:21). Indeed, a leader must realize that his every action may be observed, noted, and even copied, which raises the care he needs to take to ensure that he acts properly. The Meshech Chuchma also explains (4:4) that there is a different, almost opposite type of danger, which can arise from a leader’s sin. He notes that the blood of the Kohen Gadol’s sacrifice is sprinkled on the altar that is usually reserved for incense, which is the place associated with atonement for the sin of lashon hara. This is because when the Kohen Gadol sins accidentally, cynics within society are likely to magnify matters and claim that he did so purposely. This idea is reminiscent of the gemara in Arachin (16a), in which Rav gives as an example of chillul Hashem, the prospect that someone of his stature would take meat from the butcher while putting it on credit.
Let us pray that we will merit leaders who will live up to the tremendous responsibilities the Torah places on them.
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.