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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.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
