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Let us start by looking at the discrepancy between 400 and 430 years, both mentioned in explicit p’sukim. Mechilta D’Rashbi (Shemot 12:40) and Targum Yonatan (ad loc.), whose explanation is adopted by Rashi (Bereishit 15:13) and the Rashbam (Shemot, ibid.), explain that the 400 years are to be counted from the birth of Yitzchak, even though he personally did not go down to Egypt. The 430 years is from the time that the Brit Bein Habetarim was made with Avraham, when he was 70 years old. (That raises a question of timing, considering that Parashat Lech Lecha begins with Avraham being 75 years old (see Bereishit 12:4); we will discuss this in the soon-to-be-published Tzafnat Shmuel).
The Abarbanel cites an opinion that the exact number of years was that which is mentioned in Shemot – 430 years. The number 400 was an approximation. However, the Abarbanel continues with an explanation he prefers to the above. The decree was that which is found in Bereishit – 400 years. In practice, the exile was extended beyond its minimum because the Jewish People destroyed their proper path and allowed themselves to slip into acts of the abominations of the Land of Egypt. Therefore, 30 years were added on to their stay in Egypt. This is because all divine decrees are on the condition that they can be affected by the subsequent positive or negative behavior of the subject of the decree. Thus, 400 is what should have been under normal circumstances, and 430 was what was necessary as things transpired.
Based on this final approach, we can understand the Rabbinic tradition regarding the mistake of the Sons of Ephrayim. They tried to leave Egypt earlier than the rest of the nation and were killed on the "path of the Land of the Plishtim" (see Shemot 13:17 and Divrei Hayamim I,7:20-21). The gemara (Sanhedrin 92a) claims that the bones that Yechezkel brought back to life were those of the murdered Sons of Ephrayim, who left early. If the 400 years that Avraham was told had already passed, we can understand why they felt confident that they would be successful in leaving.
(According to the Psikta Zutrata, Shemot 12:40, that the actual time spent in Egypt was 210 years, neither 400 nor 430 years was meant in the literal manner we might expect, which lessens the apparent contradiction. We will continue with this next week.)
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.
