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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Pinchas
The Netziv (introduction to Bamidbar) deepened the idea along the thesis of the Chizkuni’s second answer. The reason that Chazal highlighted the censuses in Bamidbar is that there is great significance to the change in focus between the book’s beginning (in the desert) and end (preparing to enter the Land). In the desert, they were in a mode of grandeur with an abnormal life filled with miracles. In Eretz Yisrael, they followed natural paths, with Hashem leading them in a concealed manner. In the desert, it was like traveling in the day, and in Eretz Yisrael, it was like traveling at night. Divine Providence only showed flashes, like lightning at night. That is why in the first census, things were done according to the order of the banners, on four sides, like the "chariots" of the Divine Throne. That is the reason that Ephrayim is found there before Menashe. This was different in the 40th year counting in Pinchas. What the Netziv does not explain is what impact the nature of the census has on the choice of which son of Yosef to lead.
We will continue by melding together the Chizkuni’s two answers. Fundamentally, Ephrayim received the leadership of Yosef’s family from both Yaakov and Moshe. Yaakov put his right hand on Ephrayim’s head and said that people would bless their children by saying: "Hashem should make you like Ephrayim and Menashe" (Bereishit 48:20). Moshe also mentioned Ephrayim first in his closing beracha (Devarim 33:17). Not always did Menashe accept the second-place finish, as we see in Yiftach’s harsh reaction to the criticism of his brethren from Ephrayim (Shoftim 12).
On the eve of the entry into Eretz Yisrael, Bnei Yisrael came to the Gilad, which the tribe of Menashe viewed as home, especially the children of Menashe who came from an Aramite concubine, including Machir (see Divrei Hayamim I, 7:14). Our census puts great stress on this part of the family, as Machir and his descendants make up eight of the families mentioned (Machir, his son Gilad, and six of Gilad’s children). Since this part of the family seized an important leadership role, we understand why they were mentioned in a prominent location. In this context, we will look next week at the special status of the daughters of Tzlofchad in this matter.
Indeed we learn that every person has his unique contribution to make and role to fill. Leadership competition that hurts unity does not promote our interests.
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.
