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The midrash (Eicha Rabbati), in another context, demonstrates that participation is the higher level. The midrash contrasts the approach to impending battle of four prominent Kings of Israel. David asked of Hashem: "I shall chase my enemies, and I shall catch up to them" (Tehillim 18:38). Hashem enabled him to do so. One of the early kings of the Davidic dynasty, Assa, turned to Hashem and said: "I do not have the strength to kill my enemies. Rather, I will chase them, and You will kill them." The midrash proves that this request was also granted. Yehoshafat admitted: "I do not have the strength to chase the enemy. Rather, I will sing songs of praise, and You will do everything." This too was done. The last of the kings mentioned, Chizkiyahu, said something mind-boggling: "I do not have strength to kill or chase or sing songs of praise. Rather, I will sleep on my bed, and You will do." Indeed, as Chizkiyahu slept, Hashem’s plague destroyed Sancherev’s whole army.
The midrash’s language and context demonstrates that this is an illustration of yeridat hadorot, an erosion in people’s level from one generation to the next. David’s approach was the healthiest of the four. He merited taking an active in role in fighting for/with Hashem, as Avigayil said: "For my master does fight the wars of Hashem." The least commendable of the four is Chizkiyahu, who did not even have the strength to properly sing to Hashem. In fact, Hashem was willing to make that battle the apocalyptic war and Chizkiyahu would have been Mashiach had he sung songs of praise (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 4).
Let us return to Yam Suf. After seeing endless miracles, the nation still complained, "It would have been better to be slaves to Egypt." By doing so, they lost the right not only to fight but even to sing to Hashem as He prepared to save them, as Moshe declared: "Hashem will fight for you, and you will be silent." Only the self-sacrifice and belief of entering the sea enabled them to sing. As we say in tefilla: "A new song sang the liberated on the shores of the sea."
In our generation, which is one which put its lives on the line many times, let us pray that we will merit to sing the song of ultimate redemption.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts