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And yet, in our Sedra, the Torah seems to place great emphasis on more elaborate dress. The Kohanim – in particular the Kohen Gadol – had unique, carefully chosen clothes that were an integral part of their holy service to G-d & on behalf of the nation. If he neglected to wear even one of his special garments, the Kohen Gadol not only failed, but was subject to serious punishment. What messages were these unique clothes sending, & why are they still relevant to us, long after the service in the Bet HaMikdash ceased to be performed?
I want to suggest 3 ideas embodied within the clothes. The first is conveyed via the Avnei Shoham - the gold settings on the shoulder straps of the apron-like Ephod - & the jewels on the Ephod’s breastplate, or Choshen, which was worn "upon" the Kohen Gadol’s heart. Both of these items had the names of the 12 Tribes inscribed upon them, & both, says the Torah, were "l’Zikaron," to stir the memory of the Kohen Gadol. What memory was that?
He was to remember that, as our spiritual leader, he represented all the members of the nation – young & old, rich & poor, famous & nondescript. He was to carry the responsibility for their well-being on his shoulders, & keep their welfare close to his heart. For each & every one of them was golden, a precious gem in the eyes of Hashem.
The Torah also tells us, on several occasions, that the special clothes served "to fill the hands" of the wearer ("L’milay et yadam"). This unusual phrase tells us that a leader customarily held some object in his hand, such as Moshe with his staff, or a king with his scepter. But a deeper meaning is that if you want to lead a nation, be prepared to always "have your hands full" of tasks & trauma – & you had better be prepared to "hand"le it.
Finally, the clothes as a whole are designed "L’Chavod u’l’Tiferet" – for honor & for glory. The Malbim suggests that "honor" was due to the Kohen, or leader, strictly because of his lofty position. But the "glory" he earned was a result of his performance & how he utilized his position, employing his talents & energy to further the good of the people.
The era of the Kohanim & their leadership may, at least temporarily, be gone; but our present-day leaders - or would-be leaders - can take a lesson from our Sedra. They, too, must put the nation’s needs before their own & work hard to represent us with pride & dignity. Then, G-d willing, their success will be our success – Case Clothed.
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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.