YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Bamidbar
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The Malbim, in his sefer, Eretz Hemdah, makes the following observation. The stars’ positions, in terms of our observation from the ground, change in two ways. They move as a unit from east to west [as the earth rotates]. Individual stars also change their positions in relation to each other within the cosmos. This dichotomy points at the double identity of the star, as an integral part of the tapestry of the sky’s legions and as an individual world unto itself. The difference between the two p’sukim hints at this. One pasuk refers to the name (singular) of the stars, whereas the other refers to their names (plural). Names connote identity, so the former hints to their joint identity and the latter to their individual identity.
The Malbim says that the same is true for members of Bnei Yisrael. The individual is counted as an integral part of one grand number. On the other hand, the pasuk, "ish ish lamateh" (literally, each man to a tribe) hints that each individual is considered like an entire tribe. A Hasidic approach to this concept is based on a halacha. When a single object that is counted by unit (not measured by volume or weight) is lost in a large mixture, it is not batel (rendered halachically insignificant). So too, the individual in Klal Yisrael is counted, and thus his individual character remains intact.
The double count also reminds us of the counting of the days of the omer. On one level we have 49 days, each of which is equally necessary to fulfill the mitzva and to reach Shavuot. On the other hand, the Kabbalists have attached to the seven days and seven weeks characteristics, such as chesed, gevura, etc. We too, are equal individuals, who are broken up by tribe and family, and by personal attributes and history.
One can also answer the contradiction about the ability to count by saying that Hashem can count the stars (as the p’sukim describe) and the nation, but man cannot. There are many stars that we cannot see, certainly not with the naked eye. Also the more we shine light at the sky, the fewer stars we can see. Inter-personally also, the less we shine our own light at others’ domains and the finer the "equipment" we develop to observe them, the more we will discover other people and the light they are capable of shining.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
