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The Torah refers to the kohanim’s garments as l’chavod u’l’tifaret (for honor and grandeur) (Shemot 28:2). The simple explanation is that they were special to honor the kohanim, who were honorable people with an honorable job. In general, there is a concept that people who are of a high standing (e.g., a king, a talmid chacham) can and even should maintain their dignity among the "common folk" (see Rambam, Melachim 2:5; ibid, Deot 5:1). However, we do not find great detail and emphasis as we do in regard to the kohanim. Why is this the case?
Upon checking the halachot of a kohen’s clothes, we find that the kohen must (under the threat of serious Divine retribution) wear the garments, but only during the time that he is actually serving in his sacred role. He is permitted to wear the garments "off duty" but only during the day, when he is capable of doing such service. These points and others lead to the following approach that the Sefer Hachinuch (#99) adopts.
The garments’ main objective was to remind the kohen who is serving in the Mikdash how lofty and crucial his task is. Their perfection should remind him that his actions should be complete. The Chinuch mentions another element that the Ramban dwells on more. That is that people who see the kohen dressed so impressively will more readily appreciate the importance of the service and the Mikdash in which he is involved. However, it is not the person as a person that needs to be honored but the person as a representative of his calling.
Let us contrast this with the context of the Persian use of royal garments as it finds expression in regard to Mordechai. The first time he wore the royal garments was before he even had a lofty governmental post. Rather, it was a manner of rewarding someone by showing that he is important (Esther 6:9). The second time, it says that "Mordechai went out from before the king with" the various clothes (ibid. 8:15). It was the outward use of the clothes which was the Persian view of honor. Let the person show off how important his job makes him. The Torah approach is to use the clothes to remind the person and the public how important the job is so that all will know to treat the ideals behind the calling with the proper respect.
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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.