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This is also the same cloud that the midrash discusses in the previous parasha, when Avraham and Yitzchak were on their way to Mt. Moriah for Akeidat Yitzchak. The pasuk says that on the third day they saw the place from afar. The midrash (Midrash Rabba 56:22) says that they identified the mountain by the cloud hovering above it. The midrash continues that Avraham made sure that Yitzchak saw the same thing that he had seen. The two already recognized this cloud from Sarah’s tent, the place where Sarah found out about the upcoming birth of Yitzchak. Whoever was able to see the cloud understood that there was a special Divine Presence.
We find a different view on the matter in "David’s Song" (Shmuel II, 22:10), referring to Hashem: "He made the heaven lean down and He went down, and mist was under His legs." Targum Yonatan refers to this as a darkening performed by a special cloud – compare to Targum to Bereishit 15:17. Thus, the cloud was described as the "mist under Hashem’s legs."
Considering that mist and clouds darken and hold back the impact of the sun, what is the philosophical significance in relation to the Divine Presence they represent? According to the Targum, in order to be able to come in contact with the Divine Presence, there is a need for the revelation to be in a hidden manner, in a cloud, mist, and/or darkness.
The Ralbag has a different approach. When there is a need for the Divine Presence, which appears when Hashem wants to help someone, like David Hamelech, the Divine Presence descends to a low, material place, as indicated by the cloud. This "lowering of the heaven" is seen to man as a darkening and is described by the presence of mist.
Radak (on the parallel appearance of mist in David’s Song, as found in Tehillim 18) takes a third approach. The darkness under Hashem’s feet refers to Hashem bringing darkness to His enemies when He "tramples them with His feet." Thus, the three possibilities are that the darkness hides the Divine Presence, expresses a descent to the physical world, or depicts the hard times for Hashem’s enemies. When darkness is once again mentioned in David’s song (Shmuel II 22:12), the Targum again says it refers to the Divine Presence. Also, then, after the Exodus, when there were clouds of glory and darkness, Rashi (Shemot 14:21) explains it as Hashem’s Presence separating the Egyptian army from Bnei Yisrael.
If we are able to unite ourselves and live as one person with one heart opposite the mountain, maybe we will merit to see some of the special clouds that our forefathers saw at Sinai
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
