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Beit Midrash
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The Yerushalmi asks on the pasuk: how could the aron have been in Sukkot, if it was really in Tzion? This raises the possibility that there were two aronot. However, the Yerushalmi continues that it is possible that there was only one aron, and sukkot could refer to the fact that at that time the Mikdash did not have a roof over the aron, as the Beit Hamikdash had not yet been built.
According to this, sukkot was not a place but a spiritual state. Along this line, Uriya could have been hinting that David was causing the Divine Presence to be banished, kav’yachol, or was responsible for the delay in the building of the Beit Hamikdash and the aron’s insertion into its rightful location.
We will now explain in greater detail. The aron is the symbol of the dwelling of the Divine Presence (hashra’at haShechina). The famous p’sukim in B’haalotcha about the aron and success in battle (Bamidbar 10:35-36) teach us that the hashra’at haShechina, which the aron represents, depends on the purity of the encampment and brings defeat of the enemy. The keruvim on top of the aron symbolize hashra’at haShechina, and when they face each other, this indicates that "Israel are doing the will of Hashem" (Bava Batra 99a).
The manner in which the keruvim are standing is a clear hint to the idea of marital relationships in sanctity and purity, which is uniquely responsible for the situation of "if they will be meritorious, the Divine Presence will be between them." A sign of this distinction is a "cloud lodged just above the tent," as we will soon see.
Uriya hinted to David that his action with Batsheva was as far as can be from what the aron and keruvim represent. It would prevent the encampment’s sanctity, hashra’at haShechina among the people, and the building of the Beit Hamikdash. David was not yet ready to accept the criticism.
Together with the mention of the aron, Uriya also mentioned Israel and Yehuda. They had, after all, left their homes to fight the nation’s battles and were in sukkot (booths). Thus, sukkot can be explained three ways: 1. A tent-like structure, which was a contrast to the palace David was occupying at the time. 2. The city of Sukkot, in the region of the Gilad, where the troops fighting Amon may have been based. 3. A reminder of the incomplete nature of hashra’at haShechina. This is hinted at in Yeshaya (4:5-6); see Tzofnat Yeshayahu, p. 131.
Since the time there was a cloud above the tent of Sarah, every Jewish family hopes that the yud of ish (man) and the heh of isha (woman) will join and form the name of Hashem, representing the Shechina. Uriya was hinting that this was not the case with David.
We have learned in the past weeks the central place of the aron in the Mishkan, Mikdash, and indeed in the lives of the Jewish nation and the individual. May we merit the full return of the Divine Presence in all its glory.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.