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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.
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
