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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
In explaining why to not consume blood, the Torah says: "For the soul of the flesh is in the blood, and I gave it to you on the altar to receive atonement for your souls" (Vayikra 17:12). The Ramban explains that although man may use animals, the blood, which represents their lifeline, is reserved for the service of Hashem, not physical pleasure. We even cover the blood, an apparent parallel to the burial of a human body. The Torah (Bereishit 9:6) and rabbinic parlance describe taking of human life as spilling blood. What makes blood so central?
A major cause of quick death is the loss of blood or its inability to get to the heart or brain (heart attack, stroke). However, the connection between blood and life may run deeper, biologically and spiritually. Each part of the body has its purpose. However, its purpose is significant only if it is connected to the rest of the body. It is the blood that delivers the raw materials for organs to use, delivers the desired materials produced by the organs to other parts of the body, and removes dangerous by-products. In that way, blood most fully represents the life of the entire organism, whether it is animal or human.
The body can serve as a model for a nation. Individuals are like cells; groups, like organs. All can provide something needed by the nation to flourish. An "organ" that becomes isolated and starved for "blood" will be unable to get resources to function, unable to deliver valuable products to others in need, and will be overloaded with by-products. Only when a system is able to share and transfer from one part to another can it function efficiently. So too, a nation needs people who can create a "bloodline," allowing its various elements and talents to work symbiotically.
Rav Kook and Rav Zonnenfeld (rabbi of Yerushalayim’s Hungarian community, from which there was much opposition to R. Kook) crossed paths near the Kotel on Erev Pesach some 80 years ago. R. Zonnenfeld said to R. Kook: "May you stand in blood up to your ankles." Rav Kook answered: "Amen." The two explained to their shocked disciples that he had blessed R. Kook (a kohen) that he merit taking part in the service of the Korban Pesach, which is so described (Pesachim 65b). May our blood always be a sign of love and cooperation.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
