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We propose the assertion that the Mikdash serves to unite the nation, especially those who came thrice annually to visit it. One could argue that the reason for visiting Yerushalayim is just to take part in the goings-on in the Mikdash. However, we posit that the unity reached is that which made it possible to have the Divine Presence dwell on the people. Unity is an ends and not just a means.
David understood this, and therefore when he brought the ark to Yerushalayim the second time, he invited the entire nation (see Divrei Hayamim I, 15:3). This also found expression in David’s building of an area that was called the Milo (Shmuel II:5:9). Chazal tell us that this referred to an area in the city that David left open as camping grounds for those who came to visit the Mikdash. One generation later, this area was the subject of a bitter disagreement that caused a horrible split in the nation between the descendants of David and what became the Kingdom of Judea and Yeravam ben Nevat and the Kingdom of Israel.
The navi mentions the tax that Shlomo levied to build the Milo as well as the wall of Yerushalayim and other cities (Melachim I, 9:15). But then it mentions the area in the context of the palace he built for his wife, the daughter of Paroh (ibid. 24). The navi relates the criticism of Yeravam, one of Shlomo’s regional leaders, against Shlomo regarding the milo (ibid. 11:26-28). The gemara (Sanhedrin 101b) credits Yeravam’s rebuke as the matter through which he merited kingship. But what was the importance of this Milo?
Our suggestion is that it was an area between the City of David and Mt. Moriah, the site of the Beit Hamikdash. When David extended the city wall, it became part of the City of David, but he left it open in order to encourage aliya laregel by providing a place for tents. The area served as a great sign welcoming the pilgrims. By building Bat Paroh’s palace there, Shlomo was in effect declaring a welcome to the nations of the world, whom she represented, instead of the national command to go up to the place that Hashem chose (Devarim 17:8). By turning to the whole world, Shlomo was in essence claiming the arrival of the final redemption, as that is the time when all nations will come to visit the house of Hashem and its mountain (see famous prophecy of Yeshayahu (2:2-3)). It turns out that this was premature. There was still a need to strengthen the Jewish people around the messages that surround the Mikdash. Only afterward, could the other nations be invited to take part in their way. Yeravam, who wanted to take Shlomo’s place, called him out on this mistake, and when he did not receive the kingdom of a united Israel, broke the country and nation into two. Once disunity prevailed, success in maintaining the Divine Presence was doomed.
May the successful regaining of national unity bring about the return of the Divine Presence to dwell in our midst.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
