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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
In the middle of an apparent address to Moshe, Hashem says "Now, you (plural) write for you (plural) the words of this song and teach it (singular) to Bnei Yisrael, place it (singular) in their mouth so that this song will be testimony for Me to Bnei Yisrael" (ibid.:19). Who is referred to when using the plural for the writing and why does the language revert to the singular in regard to the teaching?
The Ramban explains that the reference is to Yehoshua in addition to Moshe, as he was involved in writing the "song" (of "Ha’azinu"), even though Moshe actually wrote it (ibid.:22). Yet, Moshe is mentioned alone in the teaching, even though Yehoshua also took part (ibid. 32:44). For this reason, the Netziv rejects the Ramban’s explanation.
The Netziv says that the plural for the writing includes the mitzva for all generations to write a sefer Torah. Thus, the Torah is writing on two levels simultaneously. Moshe should write Ha’azinu, and Bnei Yisrael should write sifrei Torah. He also explains that Yehoshua’s part in teaching the nation was technical. As this was the only section of the Torah to be taught to the nation only after it was written, Moshe taught it in a natural manner without the miracle of Hashem "speaking through his throat." Thus, Yehoshua had to help him project so that all could hear. As his task was technical, he is even referred to by his mundane name, Hoshea.
Let us return to the Ramban and try to understand why Yehoshua’s presence at Moshe’s writing made him fit to be included in the command to write. We wrote in the past that the fact that this section of the Torah was written before it was orally transmitted had special significance. It symbolized a new period in history, when the source of Hashem’s word would be the written Torah and the oral tradition that explains it. This was a stark change from the prospect of relying on a person to provide a direct link to Hashem and His word. Yehoshua was the first Torah authority who represented the idea of relying on his Torah study. Thus it was his presence at Moshe’s writing of the Torah that symbolically gave the event its special historical significance. This element epitomizes the famous mishna in Pirkei Avot (1:1): "Moshe received the Torah at Sinai and passed it on to Yehoshua." In contrast, regarding the teaching, this section of the Torah, like all others, was reserved to Moshe, who had to teach all of the Torah to Bnei Yisrael. Yehoshua’s involvement in that did not take away from Moshe’s prominence nor constitute a new stage in history.
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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.
