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Asher Smuel ben Rivka
Before presenting two classical approaches, we should note that this phenomenon of referring to apparently external sources arises in a few places in Tanach. In Yehoshua (10:13) and Shmuel (II, 1:18), the navi refers to things that are found in "Sefer Hayashar (The Book of the Straight)." In Yeshaya (34:16), the navi tells us to "search in the Book of Hashem." What are all of these works that our Holy Scriptures refer to?
Rashi in our parasha says that the Book of the Wars is not a book, but a reference to what people will say orally when discussing the miracles. The moshlim did not write anything. Rather, the Torah is talking about the prophecy of Bilam. In Yehoshua and Shmuel, he explains that Sefer Hayashar is actually our own Sefer Bereishit. So too, Yeshaya’s "Book of Hashem" is actually Sefer Bereishit, according to Rashi.
However, not all commentators take that approach. The Ramban (Bamidbar 21:13) explains in no uncertain terms what the Book of the Wars of Hashem is. "There were, in those generation, knowledgeable and wise men who would write a book about the big wars, as it was in all generations. The authors of these books were called moshlim because of their use of parables …" The Ibn Ezra and others take a similar approach.
It appears that Rashi, although being forced to find creative ways to explain each specific reference, has an understandable thesis. The Torah does not quote or paraphrase any external source. It only cross-references within Tanach (and even that, it usually does in a veiled manner). Rashi apparently reasoned that the Torah would not give credence to any other work, a work written by man, as bright and eloquent as he might be, by quoting it.
The Ramban and his camp apparently took a different approach. The Torah is full of quotes of less than holy people, from the King of S’dom to Paroh, to name a couple. It need not be the source of the statement that provides the holiness to the words found in the Torah. Rather, when Hashem decided to incorporate some previously external idea of wisdom, background, or general information within Tanach, its inclusion granted it a special status of words of Torah. There need not be a fear that such a reference gives parallel status or a carte blanche suggestion to delve into some external, humanly authored book, the way we delve into the Holy Scriptures themselves. Only that which is quoted, within its context in Tanach, is sacred.
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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.
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.
