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Beit Midrash
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To answer this question, let’s employ the time-honored strategy of asking yet another question! When detailing the genealogy of the Tribes later in the parsha, the pasuk says: "THIS was Ahron & Moshe, to whom Hashem had said, ‘Take Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt!’ They were the ones who spoke to Paro to release Bnei Yisrael from Mitzrayim. THIS was Moshe & Ahron."
Now, aside from the fact that Moshe & Ahron’s names are reversed (which Rashi says indicates their equal status) why is it necessary to both preface & conclude the statement with "this was Moshe & Ahron?" Wouldn’t it have sufficed to say it once, rather than twice? And what is the "this?"
Indeed, if the Torah was looking for one, defining image of Moshe & Ahron, would "this" really be it?! Why not describe Moshe as the one who split the sea, or the one who brought down the Luchot from Har Sinai? Why not characterize Ahron as the one who served as Kohen Gadol & led the Avoda in the Mishkan? Would these not have been more vivid, striking, lasting images?
But I suggest the Torah is emphasizing that what made Moshe & Ahron great was their courageous, selfless devotion to the nation, epitomized by their daring to confront Paro & demand that he release Am Yisrael from slavery. The elders had melted away, afraid of what Paro might do to them if they took such an audacious stance. But Moshe & Ahron were willing to risk their lives for the good of the people, & it is precisely "this" virtue of Mesirat Nefesh that becomes their eternal badge of honor.
G-d has many, many names (Chazal say the entire Torah is actually made up of names of G-d!) & each represents a particular aspect, mode or mood of the Almighty. "Elokim" connects to G-d’s attribute of justice, for at this crucial juncture in our history, justice is going to be the theme of the day. For more than a century, we will suffer the indignity of slavery, a huge physical & emotional trauma inflicted upon us. But Egypt will also be severely punished, its leader humbled, its economy devastated & its mighty army destroyed.
But while G-d is indeed the G-d of Justice, this is not "The" definitive G-d. That designation is reserved for the name "Hashem," which denotes mercy, love & the deliverance of all those who have faith in Him. That is G-d’s "real" & essential name, the one He most wants on our lips when we pray or refer to him. G-d defines himself as "He shall be what He shall be;" & that is the protective, giving, loving Hashem who changed history to redeem us once, & is now doing so again, right in front of our very eyes.
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.
