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Beit Midrash
The cataclysmic journey ("Masei") of Bnei Yisrael through the desert is now, at last, coming to an end. Our double-sedra of Matot-Masei is a fitting conclusion to the book of Bamidbar that we began 10 Parshiyot ago.
"Bamidbar," we remarked, is connected to the root word, "Dibur," or speech. This entire Sefer revolves prominently around the power of speech – its ability to bring great blessing or, in its worst context, to do great harm. Let’s look at how speech so vividly features in Bamidbar:
In Naso, the Nazir takes a vow of abstinence; the Kohanim pronounce the three-part Priestly Blessing;
In B’Ha’alotcha, the people who have missed out on bringing the Korban Pesach petition Hashem to give them another chance; later, the people complain bitterly about their living conditions, & Miriam & Aharon criticize their brother Moshe, in the classic case of Lashon Hara;
In Sh’lach, the Meraglim bring back a negative report regarding the conquest of Israel; Moshe then enunciates the 13 Attributes of Hashem to heal the wounded nation.
Next, Korach forcefully speaks out against Moshe’s leadership, utilizing clever cliches; in response, the "mouth" of the Earth miraculously opens, swallowing up Korach & his followers.
In Chukat, the people continue their complaints. Moshe is told to speak to the rock to produce water, but strikes it instead. The Song of the Book of Wars of Hashem – the second song in the Torah - is sung.
In Parshat Balak, Bilaam is hired to curse Am Yisrael, but ends up praising the Jewish People in flowery language.
In Pinchas, the daughters of Z’lafchad boldly request that they be granted a portion in the Land, a petition that is answered favorably.
Finally, in our Sedra, the Torah deals with the importance of keeping vows and promises. Later, Reuven & Gad request permission from Moshe to dwell on the east bank of the Jordan.
All this reinforces the importance the Torah affords to speech. Indeed, the central source of our power & our energy derives from using our ability to speak positively in numerous areas: Prayer, study, words of consolation, Lashon Tov.
As Matot’s opening so succinctly declares: "Kal hayotzei mi’piv, ya’aseh." Which I suggest means: "All that comes out of our mouth, He (G-d) will do." So guard your tongue & sanctify your speech. Words, literally, for us to live by.
"Chazak, Chazak, V’Nitchazek" – Why do we say it? At the conclusion of each book of the Torah (such as this Shabbat), Ashkenaz congregations rise & say this phrase, urging us to be strong & to strengthen one another; the Torah reader then repeats it (the Oleh customarily does NOT say it, as it may constitute an interruption of his bracha). S’fardim, alternatively, say "Chazak (U’Baruch)" after EVERY Torah reading. The source for this Minhag may be Yehoshua 1:8-9 or Shmuel II 10:12 that stresses being strong and of good courage (to follow the dictates of the Torah).
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.
