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Asher Ben Haim
One might suggest that here, where Hashem was revealing Himself, "seeing Hashem" was improper and potentially lethal (see ibid. 33:20). However, Rabbeinu Bachyei infers from the p’sukim that Bnei Yisrael were warned only not to try to see Hashem. As far as actually seeing Him, they couldn’t even if they tried.
Looking into the matter, we may notice something interesting regarding Moshe Rabbeinu, the only one to go all the way up the holy mountain. In his first encounter with Hashem, at the s’neh (burning bush), Moshe was told not to approach the s’neh because it was too holy. How is it that at the more powerful revelation Moshe was allowed to get as close as can be and previously not?
Perhaps the answer is contained in a well-known pasuk in Tehillim (111:10): "Reishit chuchma yirat Hashem (The beginning of wisdom is the fear of G-d)." It is not only that fear of Hashem is a basic to wisdom. The pasuk also infers that the proper order of attaining wisdom is to start by ensuring proper fear of Hashem. Once accomplished, one can draw closer in search of greater familiarity with and inspiration from Him. However, trying to "see Hashem" without prefacing it with a deep realization that the Divine is not fully approachable is dangerous.
At the s’neh, Moshe learned the lesson that he was incapable of fully grasping Hashem. He reacted by hiding his face. After showing he had the proper fear, he was later commanded to approach the Divine as much as a human can. Aharon, who was a prophet, could get closer than others. Some say that the kohanim also got closer than others in the nation (Rashi to 19:24), for they had experienced approaching Hashem and knew the regulations of not violating the boundaries. Others had to keep a greater distance.
Let’s put it another way. It is not that people should not go forward even though they cannot see. Rather, they should not go forward because they cannot see. Those who see better are more likely to know that they cannot see everything. Those who see less may think they have reached the pinnacle of understanding; that is very dangerous. Yirat Hashem helps set one straight on his self-appraisal.
In our times, some people are willing to experience an intense, spiritual experience or delve into the mystical before accepting the concept of fear of Hashem. As our forefathers learned, a healthy dose of humility and fear should precede an intimate "look" at the Divine. In truth, even at a healthy distance, exposure to the Divine is awe-inspiring and memorable.
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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.
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.
