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If we look closer at the p’sukim, we find striking parallels between the descriptions of the two events. They both include fire/smoke and are events that took place during the entire night until dawn.
In order to understand the connection between these two events and its deeper lesson, let us first examine the Brit Bein Hab’tarim that took place in Chevron at the height of Avraham Avinu’s "first Aliya" (Bereishit 13:14-17). There are two distinct elements.
1) The blessing regarding his progeny. Hashem promises Avram that he will have an abundance of progeny – "like the stars." To this the Torah (ibid. 15:6) praises Avram, stating that he believed in Hashem and it was considered "tzedaka."
2) The covenant regarding the Land of Israel. Hashem promised Avram that He would give him the Land as an inheritance. Avram replied by asking: "How will I know that I will inherit it?" This answer needs further study (See Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Radak and other commentators, who grappled with this idea).
Then Hashem commanded Avram to take three calves, three rams, a turtledove and a common dove and split them down the middle. With the fall of night, Avram had a terrible vision, "a great darkness enveloping him." Here Avram received the prophecy that his children will be enslaved for 400 years in a foreign land. (This topic will be further explored in my next book, Tzofnat Shmuel and the Kingdom of King David)
But how is this prophecy reconciled with the historical events later described in the Torah? Weren’t Bnei Yisrael enslaved for only 210 years? Why in Shemot does the Torah relate that they were in Egypt for 430 years? Chazal, and Rashi in their footsteps, explained that the 400 years was from the time of Yitzchak’s birth and the 430 years was from the time of the Brit Bein Hab’tarim. What is the deeper meaning behind all of this?
Let us add that throughout the ages there were long periods when Egypt ruled over Israel. Even the rulers of the cities in Israel were not independent; they were vassals of the Egyptian Pharaohs. Evidence of Egyptian rule in Israel from the period of the forefathers and later have been uncovered by archeologists over the last hundred years. It should be noted that also during the War of Independence, the Egyptians reached the approaches of Jerusalem and the city of Ashdod.
Specifically during this time we remember the greatness of Hashem, even if there are times when we feel "a dread of darkness upon us." Next week we will continue to explain the topic at hand and how it all connects to Yom Ha'atzma'ut!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
