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Chazal (see Sota 36b) tell us that at the critical moment, right before the splitting of the Sea, the various tribes were in competitive mode. Rabbi Meir relates the following, based on his understanding of Tehillim 68:28. When Bnei Yisrael stood by the sea, each tribe claimed that they were going to jump in first. The Tribe of Binyamin went in first, and the Tribe of Yehuda stoned them. That is why Binyamin merited hosting the Divine Presence in the Beit Hamikdash. Rabbi Yehuda had a different version. Each tribe was trying to avoid going in. Since Nachshon, head of the Tribe of Yehuda, was the first, they merited having dominion in Israel, as it says: "Yehuda was for His holiness, Israel was for His kingdom" (Tehillim 114:2). Why did Yehuda have this kingdom? Because the "sea saw and fled" (ibid. 3).
We see, in this midrash, two disagreements. The first is between the sons of Leah, represented by Yehuda, and the sons of Rachel, represented by Binyamin, as to who would rule. The second is a disagreement among Tannaim as to who received the leadership. The correct situation is as we discussed last week – the descendants of the two should lead in partnership. Let us illustrate the importance of such partnership with the help of Sefer Shoftim, from which this week’s haftara is taken.
Almost everyone agrees that the era of the Judges was a low point in the history of Bnei Yisrael. One can see a spiritual deterioration throughout, with a central characteristic being the lack of unifying leadership. Shoftim begins (see Shoftim 1:27) where Yehoshua ends off (see Yehoshua 14:12) – with the failure of the tribes to capture the entire Land which Hashem gave to them. In this context (Shoftim 1:1), Hashem answered the question as to who should lead the battle to liberate the land with "Yehuda shall go up." The Sons of Yehuda asked the Sons of Shimon to accompany them; they did not ask a tribe descending from Rachel. In that way, they continued the mistake that started in Sefer Bereishit, where enmity toward Yosef led to his selling.
The Sons of Yosef also made mistakes in this realm. The Tribes of Menashe and Ephrayim went to fight the enemies (ibid. 22) without inviting the descendants of Leah to take part. Kalev and the Tribe of Yehuda captured Chevron, and the question is why Yehoshua Bin Nun, the leader of the nation and of the Tribe of Ephrayim, was not involved in helping his old partner, with whom he had worked against the other spies. The answer seems, again, to be a lack of unity.
At this time of international attempts to harm the standing of the State of Israel and of terrorists to carry out hideous crimes against men, women, and children, let us recall that unity that stems from a willingness for joint leadership always brings good outcomes.
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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.
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.