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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 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.
