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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Tzav
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Revital Bat Lea
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.
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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.