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One of the most important korbanot discussed in Parshat Tzav is the korban Toda, the thanks-offering. It is a central feature of the Jew to give thanks to Hashem, to others, even to the world around us which offers so much to us. Indeed, "Yehudi/Jew" is based on the word "Toda."
The root of toda also connects to "modeh," admittance that we are not perfect & totally self-sustaining. That fact of life is what inspires us to thank & acknowledge those upon whom we depend for our lives & livelihoods. So important is thanksgiving, says the Medrash, that even if all other korbanot will not brought in the future Bet HaMikdash, the korban Toda will still remain.
In the daily Amida, the 1 section (besides Kedusha) that can’t be fulfilled by simply answering Amen is Modim D’Rabanan. Why? Because saying "thanks" requires personal attention & effort.
While the korban Toda does not exist today, we do have a modern-day equivalent: the Birkat HaGomel, recited at Torah-reading, in order to give thanks in 4 specific instances: Recovery from a serious illness or a life-threatening situation; being freed from prison; or crossing an ocean or desert. Have you figured out the link to Pesach yet?
All 4 of these HaGomel situations occurred during Yetziat Mitzrayim! We recovered from our spiritual malaise & the depression which gripped us as slaves; we were freed from the vast prison that was Paro’s Egypt; we safely crossed the Reed Sea & then successfully made our way through the desert to Mt. Sinai & the Land of Israel!
I suggest that all of us, at one time or another, face the same crises our ancestors did: We struggle against illness, be it physical or emotional; stress, despondency or lack of faith. We often feel trapped, as if in prison, within the confines of financial or societal constraints. And making our way through the vicissitudes of life is akin to crossing a vast ocean or desert, battling the elements which confront us, until we finally reach the other side.
And so, at all times we must admit our dependency on Hashem & give Him thanks. Indeed, the entire message of Pesach, say Chazal, is essentially one of Hakarat HaTov, appreciating G-d & showing our gratitude to Him.
Shabbat "HaGadol?" There is nothing more Gadol than saying Toda for that which is above, & around us.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
