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But when the Bet HaMikdash was destroyed, the Korbanot stopped. No Chatat or Asham sin-offerings, no Tamid daily offering, no Korban Pesach. Yes, some say the Korban Toda, the Thanks-offering, is still represented by the Birkat Ha-Gomel, recited after a life-threatening experience. But the vast amounts of Korbanot have ceased; nothing nada, gurnisht.
But is that really so?
The ultimate purpose of the offerings was to come closer to Hashem; that is why "Korbanot" is connected to "karov - close." When a person gave of his hard-earned money to buy the offering - be it animal or vegetable, often used to feed or support the Kohanim who administered the service - he was making a statement: "I want to give something of mine to show Hashem that I care; I care about my behavior, and the mistakes I may have made; I care about the holidays; I care about the community at large. I am not an island unto myself; I have responsibilities, I want to give something back in return for this life you have granted me."
Friends, there has never been a better time to bring offerings than right now, in the midst of this frightening, even paralyzing time in which we find ourselves. So many opportunities are right in front of us, unique ways to bring our own personal Korban in the sight of Hashem:
- Offer your tefilot, and pray hard, as if your life depended upon it; - Call a friend, who may be suddenly be unemployed, and offer your sympathy and empathy; - E-mail someone who is scared - as most of us are - and offer hope that it will be all right; - Order take-away food for a neighbor from a certified restaurant and have it delivered to their door. - Offer apologies to someone you may have wronged, or neglected; if this crisis teaches us anything, it is that our existence is unpredictable and time is a tyrant;
Suddenly, all of life has become one gigantic Mizbeyach, an altar upon which we can bring offerings of every kind. Surely these are every bit as effective as those in Biblical days. And who knows - as Hashem watches these offerings being brought in abundance, He will not only end this pandemic, but usher in a new era of health and safety and brotherhood for all. And that is surely a Bet HaMikdash - a "Holy House" - of its own.
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.