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Lea bat Miryam
These Sages had to be knowledgeable in many aspects of botany, for without such understanding they would be unable to deliver rulings in matters of forbidden agricultural mixtures ("kilayim"). They had to be able to discern between various grain species, to tell whether a certain grain belongs to one species or another – to know, for example, if rye is a type of wheat or if cumin is a type of barley. They also had to be familiar with the nature of each grain and the amount of its expansion in the soil in order to know how far to distance it from other species.
The Sages of the Israel had to be versed to no small degree in biology in order to be able to discern between species of animals relevant to the prohibition against forbidden breeding. They had to be familiar with causes of death in order to tell what sort of injury would render an animal torn by a beast of prey forbidden for consumption. To this end, the Sages had to be familiar with all of the animals' organs and their workings. Without such knowledge, a Sage could not render judgment in laws of injured animals. They similarly had to adjudicate as to which animals were unfit to be brought upon the Temple's altar, and what sort of bodily blemish disqualified a priest from serving in the Temple.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
41 - 41. Torah and Secular Disciplines
42 - 42. The Preeminence of the Holy Tongue
43 - 43. Hebrew's Preeminence - Continued
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Incidentally, we possess the following account of an event that took place in one Jewish community: an animal was brought for slaughter, and, after the slaying, the slaughterer inserted his hand to make sure that the animal was healthy. In an instant, he removed his hand and proclaimed that the animal was completely unacceptable. The owner cried out, "How can you disqualify the animal with such ease, do you not realize what a great loss this is for me?" When a veterinarian arrived and checked the animal he declared that the carcass must be burnt immediately because it carried an illness that made its use forbidden for any purpose whatsoever.
Because the Torah's commandments have bearing upon every aspect of life, Torah Sages must be adept in all areas of knowledge. Not for naught did the Vilna Gaon teach that a Jew who lacks one measure of secular wisdom, lacks ten measures of the wisdom of the Torah. The Vilna Goan was himself expert in all of the sciences, as is well known.
The Sages of Israel similarly had to be expert in astronomy in order to calculate the months, years, and leap years. These calculations had to be very exact, for if even a very small mistake was made, it would eventually have great repercussions. And, indeed, we can see for ourselves that their calculations were exact, for they have never had to be amended. However, we find that other peoples have not been exacting enough in creating their calendars, and as a result mistakes and inaccuracies have become apparent with the passing of time.
Even the study of music was not overlooked by the Sages. Music played a very important role in Israel. It was taken up by the nation's elite – the tribe of Levi. Musical performance was one of the sacred tasks which made up the Holy Temple's service. Even spiritual giants such as King David and Samuel the Prophet devoted themselves to musical study.
From the above, then, we can see that a high level of wisdom has been maintained by the Sages of Israel throughout the generations, a level of wisdom which has aroused the admiration and respect of the world's nations.
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.
