YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Nitzavim
"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."
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
