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Firstly, the fire was not needed to burn the sacrifices, as that was done by the miraculous fire that descended from the heavens (Yoma 21b). The Chinuch (#132) explains that the human fire was necessary to partially conceal the miracle, as we find regarding other miracles. Yet, continues the Chinuch, the fire on the mizbeach represents an additional purpose in the spiritual sphere.
In classical philosophy, fire is considered one of the four elements of the physical world. In the case of man, it is the main element and represents his ability to function. The fire on the mizbeach served as a source of beracha for man’s activity. This fire must be properly balanced. If it is insufficient, man will lack the ability to function properly. If it is beyond what it should be, a person can be burnt up. This, writes the Chinuch, happened to Nadav and Avihu, who brought a "foreign fire" which caused them to be burnt to death by a fire from the heavens.
The fire then served two functions, to burn the sacrifices and to spiritually help sustain human energy. It is logical, then, that just as the humanly provided fire interacted with the heavenly fire in the first regard, so did it do in regard to the second. Let us reiterate the Chinuch’s concept in these terms. The human spirit’s real sustenance is from the Divine fire, which had a physical manifestation in the Mikdash. However, Hashem wants man to contribute by providing fire anyway. When man does his share, Hashem brings the fire that allows his success.
The interaction of these fires should proceed in a specific manner. We mentioned that Nadav and Avihu’s downfall had to do with bringing foreign fire. The Rashbam (Vayikra 10:1) explains that, on the inaugural day of the Mishkan, they were supposed to wait for the initial fire to come down from the heavens. Yet, they decided not to wait and provide the fire themselves. They did not realize how serious their misunderstanding of the proper order of the fire was.
In our daily, mundane and holy, activities, Hashem wants us to be proactive and provide our own fire. One who understands what really happens is aware that the fire is only used as a necessary cover for the Divine fire. At times, we are instructed to hold back and demonstrate our understanding that we are to follow Hashem’s lead and not imagine we can accomplish things all by ourselves.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
