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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.
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.
