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This is a puzzling statement by the Torah. Why would the place to worship Hashem not be explicitly identified? Rashi says the place is the Mishkan erected at Shiloh; others, of course, say it clearly is referring to Jerusalem, where the Bet HaMikdash would eventually be built. So what is the point of keeping i a secret?
Our parsha also commands us to destroy any idolatrous places of worship in the Holy Land. We are to "dismantle their altars, smash their pillars, burn their tree-gods (Ashera) and cut down their images." The pasuk says these temples were built "on the high mountains, on the hills and under every leafy tree."
I want to suggest that the Torah is telling us that places of idol-worship were specifically built in beautiful settings, on mountain-tops, rolling hills and amid lush foliage. This was done to create attractive, serene settings that would attract many followers. But the rabbis maintain that the idolaters needed these pastoral trappings because they provided the only attractive element of the rituals conducted there; the actual ceremonies themselves were devoid of any real meaning, any substance, any religious truth. The buildings may have been impressive, but the activity inside was not.
Judaism offers a different approach. While Yerushalayim is mesmerizing ("Ten parts of beauty descended to the world and Jerusalem took nine!"), the Bet HaMikdash is spectacular and many of our shuls are expansive and gorgeous, the real beauty lies in what is practiced there, what is taught there, what is accomplished there - and that's why the Mishkan or Bet HaMikdash's name or location is not emphasized. Even stripped of its aesthetic brilliance, even without its grand architecture or expensive ornamentation, Judaism is intrinsically precious. That is why Hashem famously promises us (Shmot 25:8), "Asu li Mikdash v'shachanti b'tocham - Build me a Holy place and I will dwell there." Be it stunning or store-front, it is the content - and not the concrete - of Torah and Jewish life which fills the sanctuary with meaning and message.
During these past 6 months, as most of us have been home-bound and not attending shul, hopefully we have learned to appreciate Judaism "without all the trimmings," to connect to Hashem and to Shabbat and to our tefilot "l'shma," for what they are in their purest, most unadulterated form. They gift to us a lifestyle that is truly golden, even without the glitter.
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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.
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.
