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Unkelos translates the verse: "Do not worship so before Hashem." In other words, Bnei Yisrael were told not to implement pagan practices in serving Hashem, which is certainly a logical command. The textual problem is, though, that "do not do so" follows the command to destroy the pagan gods, not the description of their worship.
Rashi brings three explanations. The first is, do not bring sacrifices to Hashem any place you desire, as it says in the following pasuk. The difficulty with this explanation is that the phrase in question implies strongly that it refers to that which precedes, not that which follows (see Ibn Ezra and Rashbam).
Another explanation, brought in R. Yishmael’s name, is that we should not cause our altars and Temple to be destroyed, which could happen if we act like the pagans. This is not the pasuk’s simple meaning, but let us mention a beautiful idea of the S’fat Emet in this regard. The Torah continues, "you shall seek His Presence." The inverse of R. Yishmael’s warning is that by seeking out the Mikdash even when it is destroyed, one causes it to be more speedily rebuilt.
Rashi’s third explanation is that while destroying the signs of worship, we should not destroy articles used for worship of Hashem or that include His Name. This fits the wording and sequence of the p’sukim, but it is still difficult to explain why one would think to destroy that which is Hashem’s.
Let us describe the background whereby one might think to destroy a Jewish altar. Upon returning to the Land of the Forefathers and their followers, Bnei Yisrael would encounter altars from the patriarchs’ time. Paradoxically, it was forbidden to use some of them and, at certain times, any of them. That is because matzeivot (monuments) became forbidden at Sinai and because all altars were forbidden when there was a central place of worship in Shilo and later in Yerushalayim. So what were Bnei Yisrael to do with the unusable, sacred altars and monuments? One might have thought to destroy them. Therefore, the Torah tells us that since they were associated with service of Hashem, one would have to dismantle them, while preserving their sanctity, and bury their components. The fact that this was a difficult undertaking would explain why it is was so hard to root out the forbidden use of extra-mikdash altars throughout the time of the first Beit Hamikdash. Indeed the bamot were a major problem until King Yoshiyahu took steps against them.
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
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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.
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.