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Simha bat Hana
Despite these apparently clear instructions, few commentaries explain that Aharon and his sons were fully forbidden to leave the Mishkan complex for seven days. The Ramban cites Torat Kohanim, which sees this pasuk as the source for a permanent law that a kohen may not leave his post in the midst of performing avoda (service in the Temple). But Rav Hirsch asks a strong question. During the days of milu’im, Moshe did all of the avoda; the kohanim did none. So how can one relate the p’sukim describing the kohanim’s behavior during those days to their behavior at the time of avoda?
Ibn Ezra says that the p’sukim do refer to remaining in the Mishkan during the entire period. However, they were permitted to leave for certain purposes during this period. It is just that one could say about the period as a whole that they did not leave, in general. But one can still ask: why did the Torah use such strongly inclusive language if in fact they were allowed to leave?
The simple explanation is that Aharon and his sons were instructed to totally immerse themselves in the atmosphere of holiness that was prevalent at the Mishkan, as Rav Hirsch writes. The Torah stresses that there are times when one should ideally be in a certain place on an uninterrupted basis. Even when this is impossible on a practical level, one has to do what he can, physically, and concentrate on a mindset of one who never leaves.
The Netziv, picking up on the words, "they shall watch the watch of Hashem," refers to his explanation elsewhere in the Torah that this phrase refers to in-depth study of the Oral Law. In other words, even after completing their stint in the Mishkan, the kohanim had not completed their responsibilities. Rather, they had to continue to learn so that they would be capable of fulfilling their complex avoda with a deep understanding of their laws, along with the laws of the Torah, in general. Indeed, we find that Torah study should be seen as an ongoing process, even when practically there are long breaks. For that reason, one who makes a blessing on Torah study in the morning, learns a little, and then spends much time on other activities is still considered connected to the experience of the study. Therefore, when he returns to learn, he does not make a new beracha (see Tosafot, Berachot 11b).
The experiential exposure to Moshe’s avoda during the inaugural days, continued during "off-hours" by the holy, intellectual pursuit to understand the Torah, combined to prepare the kohanim for their holy calling.
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts