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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Simha bat Hana
The Seforno explains based on the context of the p’sukim. Since the nations see our closeness with Hashem, if they will not be impressed by our wisdom, it will be a chillul Hashem (desecration of His Name). Note what impresses the nations. They hear the Torah’s statutes and see our adherence to them. The Kli Yakar points out that the nations knew they were interested only in pursuing wealth and power and realized that Bnei Yisrael were involved in the pursuit of wisdom for its own sake.
The Torah’s apparent interest that the nations be impressed with our wisdom has actually been one of the focal points of different philosophies on the proper curriculum for religious Jews. Those who believe in the importance of a secular education point to these p’sukim as mandating that we at least hold our own in science and other fields of wisdom. While centuries ago it was possible to be wise in the nations’ eyes by understanding Torah alone, now that the nations have learned wisdom, we may not lag. Those who take a "Torah only" approach can respond in one of two ways. Either the impression of the nations is secondary to the mitzva to study Torah, or the nations can see our wisdom if we delve into Torah seriously and profoundly enough.
It is also interesting to note how the chukim (laws whose reasons are not apparent) and the mishpatim (logical mitzvot) coincide. One would think that chukim would not be impressive at all. In fact, idol worshippers have plenty of chukim, and we are told to stay away from them (Vayikra 18:3). The Kli Yakar explains that it is the combination of the two areas that is so impressive. Many social and religious systems have superstitious practices. However, when the nations see how Bnei Yisrael dedicate themselves to logic, they realize that their chukim must be Divine and have hidden layers of profound substance. Many nations have systems to keep law and order, and this is a practical concern. However, the nations see that within the same system of Torah and mitzvot, the mystical is found side by side with legal, monetary systems. Thus, they realize that the logical is a matter of holiness to us, not just a pragmatic concern.
May Hashem’s wisdom shine on us through the Torah, which He gave us as a conduit for it.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
