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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
Sefer Hachinuch (#306) explains that it is based on the fact that the giving of the Torah, which took place on the first Shavuot, was the ultimate purpose of the world’s creation and the liberation from Egypt. We count to show how excited we are, and we count the days in ascending order rather than the days remaining so that we not be discouraged by the large number of days that initially exist. Emet L’Yaakov (Kaminetsky) (23:11) cites a midrash that tells that right after the Exodus, Bnei Yisrael turned to Hashem, complaining that they had not immediately received the Torah. When Hashem told them that it would be forthcoming in 50 days, they started counting. Thus, our counting commemorates their counting.
What all of this tells us is that it is important not only to study and obey the Torah but also to love it and look forward to receiving it. R. Kaminetsky continues that the death of R. Akiva’s students during this period is related to this idea. For had they properly appreciated Torah, they would have treated their fellow students of Torah with greater respect than they did.
We have demonstrated in other forums that counting the omer is not done toward a day, but marks how long we have been counting for. Indeed the anticipation toward the giving of the Torah, which demonstrates our love for it, is an end in itself. The navi, describing the relationship between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael, says, "I will betroth you forever" (Hoshea 2:21). This is ostensibly difficult. A couple is betrothed temporarily in order to subsequently marry. Why would they be betrothed forever? The navi may be hinting that although Hashem and Bnei Yisrael are, so to speak, married, certain elements of betrothal remain forever. What is so special about the time of engagement is the strong emotional feelings which are enhanced by waiting with anticipation.
The Sefer Hachinuch (ibid.) asks why we wait until the second day of Pesach to begin the count. He answers that the first day should be set aside to commemorate only the events that happened at the liberation from Egypt. This tells us that while the main purpose of the liberation was so that the fledgling nation should accept the Torah and embark on a mission as a holy nation, the liberation itself served as an independent value. The salvation strengthened the connection between Hashem and His nation and proved through the miracles that took place that He created the world and runs its existence (ibid.). While we are required to mention liberation every day of our lives, we should spend these days strengthening our connection to and our appreciation of the Torah which He bestowed to us after those 50 days of expectation.
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.
