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Beit Midrash
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Unbeknownst to Rabbi Yisrael, he was standing perilously close to a taffy, which had fallen on the floor. The taffy did not escape the notice of little Menachem, however, who was dancing together with his father, a few feet away. Menachem let go of his father’s hand, and raced over to the spot where the taffy lay. Unfortunately, in his hurry, he bumped into Rabbi Yisrael, who was suddenly thrown onto the floor, together with the Torah scroll!
The singing and dancing stopped immediately, as dozens of men rushed over to the scene. First they picked up the fallen Torah scroll, and then the shaken Rabbi Yisrael.
Were their actions correct? Was it proper to first pick up the scroll, and only then pick up Rabbi Yisrael, or should they, perhaps, have helped Rabbi Yisrael first?
Answer:
Rabbi Asher Weiss, shlita:
In practice, there was no need to determine whether the Torah scroll or Rabbi Yisrael should take priority. There were certainly enough men present to have lifted both of them, simultaneously. They should have upheld the commandment to "grasp this and also not remove your hands from that."
Regarding the actual question, as to whether a Torah scholar or a Torah scroll takes priority, it is necessary to examine two statements in the Gemara, which appear to contradict each other. The Gemara Kiddushin (33) states "if one must stand before a Torah scholar, [isn’t it obvious that one must stand] before a Torah scroll, even more so?" This statement seems to imply that the Torah scroll takes priority. However, Gemara Makot (22) states "how foolish are those who stand for a Torah scroll, yet don’t stand before a Torah scholar." This statement seems to imply that the Torah scholar takes priority.
There are a number of ways to resolve the contradiction, however, in my opinion, there is no contradiction at all. The second Gemara states that one who rises before a Torah scroll, and not a Torah scholar is a fool, however, this does not mean that the Torah scholar takes priority. Rather, the obligation of honoring the scroll and the scholar are two sides of the same coin. By honoring the physical embodiment of the Torah, as well as the scholars who learn it, we are demonstrating how much we honor and cherish the words of the holy Torah.
In summary: Honor for the Torah scroll and for the Torah scholar are one and the same. In our case, the congregants should have lifted both the Torah scroll and Rabbi Yisrael simultaneously
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.
