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Beit Midrash
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Chametz and matza are strongly related as opposites. If you let the ingredients rise, it becomes chametz. If you bake it before it has a chance to rise, it is matza. In fact, if the ingredients cannot turn into chametz, the "matza" is invalid matza (Pesachim 35a). This seems so counter-intuitive based on the approach to mitzvot that we are used to. If something is as strictly forbidden as chametz is, then we would have expected to be required to avoid anything that could become chametz!
I would like to raise what we call in the beit midrash a chakira (an analytical dilemma) about chametz and matza: If the two are indeed related, which is the beginning of the "equation" and which is the result? Is it: 1. There is a mitzva to eat matza on Pesach, as it reminds us of the manner in which Hashem took us out of Egypt (with chipazon – Devarim 16:3). It is not wrong to eat, say, potatoes instead of matza. However, one must not eat chametz because it is the antithesis of matza, countering the impact of remembrance that one would have had with matza. 2. The Torah does not want us to eat chametz throughout Pesach, whether for the above reason, because chametz represents the yetzer hara (see Berachot 17a with Rashi), or for some other reason. When the Torah says that Pesach (what the Torah calls Chag Hamatzot) is a festival of eating matza for seven days, it means that if one eats something that can be either chametz or matza, it better be matza!
The simpler reading of the p’sukim throughout the Torah (we do not have room to elaborate) is that the stress on matza being a positive commemoration is part of the basic definition of the holiday. It is then worthwhile to contemplate why chametz, being the opposite of matza, is such a big problem, especially according to the more accepted opinion that there isn’t even a mitzva to eat matza throughout the seven days. (We dealt with the famous machloket if there is anything positive about eating matza after the first night of Pesach in Living the Halachic Process, vol. III, D-18.)
Let us consider the following suggestion. When a nation emerges (which we celebrate on Pesach), it receives tools to do significant things that it did not have previously. One might think that if these tools are used well, good, and if not done exactly right, it is no big deal, as the nation can always get it right the next time. Perhaps the newly formed dough teaches a different lesson. If one handles it correctly and promptly, that is good. If one does it wrong or even tarries, the result is dangerous! Mitzva haba’ah l’yodcha al tachmitzena – when you have the possibility to do a mitzva, do not miss the opportunity; it will turn into "chametz"!
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.
