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Beit Midrash
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"Elohim" in Tanach can also refer to a human king or another powerful person, as we see in the pasuk, "Do not curse an "Elohim," and a prince in your nation do not curse" (Shemot 22:27).
The recognition and acceptance of Hashem’s Kingdom over Israel and the entire world is one of the main themes of the day of Rosh Hashana, as we say in the davening, "His Kingdom rules over all." We end the Ten Days of Repentance, which begin the year, with the words, "Hashem is the Lord," right before we blow the shofar at the end of Yom Kippur.
While there is unquestionably a tremendous difference between the kingdom of a human and that of Hashem, we do find that this time of the year is also one in which human kingdom is explored. When Shmuel, who anointed Shaul, died and Shaul was significantly weakened, the question of who was then king arose. On the one hand, it was clear to David that since he was anointed king by Shmuel, it was his turn to become king. On the other hand, Naval, who was a descendant of Chetzron, son of Peretz, and of Kalev and Miriam (or as known by her other name, Efrat), reasoned that he had the most impressive lineage in all of Israel (see Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 2:3), and he should be king. As a result of these differing appraisals of the political situation, David asked for taxes from Naval for protecting him, and Naval referred to David as one who rebelled against his master (see Shmuel I, 25). Chazal teach us, based on key words in the narrative, that the encounter, which ended with Naval’s death of "natural" causes that Hashem brought upon him, took place between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (see Rosh Hashana 18a; the matter will be discussed in length in our upcoming sefer, Tzofnat Shmuel). The reason that David was worthy was his humility (see Tehillim 22:7) and his willingness to be a mere representative of the real King, Hashem.
While the hints in the p’sukim are not conclusive, Chazal are teaching us that the question of who merits being a human king is also one that applies during the special days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. In order to make it to Sukkot and live under the protection of the shadow of the Divine Presence, it is necessary to first call out: "Hashem is the Lord."
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.