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Beit Midrash
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The overall "mission statement" of the Mishkan can be encapsulated in the command by Hashem, "V’Asu Li Mikdash, V’Shachanti B’Tocham" – Make for me a sanctuary, and I shall dwell within it – or within you. What, exactly, does that phrase mean? I suggest that the various objects here are more than just evocative works of art to inspire or admire; they are meant to both mimic the midot of the Shechina (G-d's presence) and serve as a model for how we - every Jew - can turn our own selves into a kind of living, breathing Mishkan into which G-d and G-dliness can enthusiastically enter and dwell within.
There is the Mizbeyach, upon which the offerings were brought. This was our primary conduit for giving, and for expressing our innermost thoughts. To say, "Thank you" for the gifts and favors we enjoy, as well as, "I’m sorry," for
the failings and "fashlas" we commit. The Mizbeyach also represents the sacrifices that we may often be called upon to make, in both our personal and collective lives.
Then there is the Aron Kodesh, the repository of the Luchot-tablets, both the whole and broken sets. At times we, all of us, are Shalem, whole; at other times we are nishbar, broken. But at all times we must internalize and embody the Mitzvot engraved on those stones. We must pursue knowledge, and carry out the dictates and directives of the Divine which define our life.
Atop the Aron are the Keruvim – baby-faced angels, male and female, whose wings spread over the Aron and protect the place from which G-d’s voice emanates. The Keruvim represent innocence, purity, a lack of cynicism, and Love. If we can emulate those qualities, then we, too, can merit to hear G-d’s voice anytime we choose to listen.
Finally, there is the Menora, the Eternal Light. Its purpose was to demonstrate G-d’s eternal presence, as it burned night and day, even being lit on Shabbat. It reminds us that Hashem is always with us. The Menora also prods us to spread light wherever we go, to enlighten others and care not only for our bodies, but for our souls as well, for fire is the primary symbol of the Neshama.
While the Mishkan/Bet HaMikdash may be (temporarily) absent, each of us can ourselves become one, and in doing so, become One with Hashem.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.