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During the rebellion of Avshalom, David Hamelech escaped over the Jordan. When danger passed, David was in the process of returning to his throne in Jerusalem. The navi says that the people of Yehuda approached the king to have him pass the Jordan and they were tzoleach the Jordan before the king. Then it says that they were over the avara before the king was over (Shmuel II, 19:16-19). What do these words mean in this context?
The Radak says that tzoleach, which the Targum translates as "v’gazu" simply means to pass, as is evident from the Targum of mabarot in Yehoshua (Yehoshua 2:7). In contrast, Rashi explains it as splitting the water, which was done by the warriors putting their shields in the water to act as dividers. In this way, David passed through the Jordan in relative dryness, although this time it was not by means of a miracle but of natural intervention with the flow of the water. According to the Radak, David and his men chose a place to pass through where there was relatively little water. The Ralbag takes matters in a different direction – so many people passed through the water along with David, that it was difficult to notice from a distance that there was water there. Abarbanel said that the water was not the issue but that the way so many people lined up turned the event into one that resembled a the leader walking before an honor guard. According to this, tzoleach refers to a ceremony in honor of the success (hatzlacha). (One can find further expansion on the topic in my upcoming book, Tzofnat Shmuel on the reign of David.)
Let us pray that we will have "hatzlacha" in the period ahead of us, and that we will prevent splits within the nation and not allow our enemies to stand up against us.
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.