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Beit Midrash
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- Nitzavim
In discussing Avshalom’s death and his own preparation for it, the root natzov is found three times in one pasuk (Shmuel II, 18:18) and once in the previous pasuk. The main context is in Avshalom’s erecting a matzeva, which most translate (see Rashi ad loc.) as a monument for himself called Yad Avshalom. The Radak explains that it was a grave which had a conspicuous headstone serving as a monument. We prefer to go in the direction suggested by the Targum Yonatan, that it was a kamata, which is the type of matzeva discussed by the Torah – a large stone which was once used for service of Hashem for libations of wine or oil. Matzevot became forbidden when they were adopted as part of the service of idolatry. The Sifrei (Shoftim 144) pointed out that such matzevot had been permitted at the time of the patriarchs only to become forbidden by the time the Torah had been given.
We have explained in the past that Avshalom had fomented the emotions of the people against David, who, in advancing the plan to build the Beit Hamikdash had thereby set into motion the prohibiting of sacrificing on private and local bamot (altars). It is possible that along the same lines, Avshalom had opposed the limiting of possibilities to serve Hashem by means of such once-beloved actions as libations on matzevot. In other words, he championed the idea of pluralism and individuality in the service of Hashem. For that reason, Avshalom erected a matzeva in a prominent place around Yerushalayim to attract those who wanted to use it in their individual manner of service of Hashem. Thus, this matzeva was not a monument or grave for Avshalom but was a statement of his support of ritual liberalism based on past practice. This summed up his life mission as a ben sorer u’moreh – by rebelling against his father, David, and his Father in the Heaven, who gave the Torah with all of its instructions and restrictions.
Let us pray that in our generation we will witness the full return of the Divine Presence, as represented by the root natzov and occurring in the merit of the unity of Klal Yisrael. We should not need to resort to manipulations of the divine desire like Avshalom promoted in order to excite the people who seek to serve Hashem.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
