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This week’s haftara (Yirmiyahu 46:13-28) discusses a great defeat of the Egyptians at the hands of Nevuchadnetzar, who would later destroy the first Beit Hamikdash. This was also the time of the fall of the Plishtim, which, we will see, is related. The following prophecy starts with the dating that it occurred "before Paroh smote Aza" (ibid. 47:1). These Plishtim were defeated twice in close proximity. Before Nevuchadnetzar went down to fight Egypt, he passed through the coastal region of Plishti land and defeated them. The navi referred to this as "it is coming from the north" (ibid. 2). Paroh struck them on the way back from the Battle of Karkamish, after killing King Yoshiyahu in Megido (see Melachim II, 23:29). Thus, even though Egypt was to the south and west, they attacked the Plishtim from the north.
The defeat of the Plishtim is also documented in non-biblical accounts. It appears in the Writings of Herodotus and is found in a letter by the King of Israel, found in the archives of Memphis, Egypt. We will not get into a listing of the scholarly publications which deal with this.
It is impossible to understand the outlook of the prophets without studying the following passage in Tzefanya (2:4-7): "For Aza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will be a wasteland; Ashdod will be kicked out in the afternoon, and Ekron will be uprooted. Oh, the inhabitants of the coastal strip, the nation of Crete, the word of Hashem will be on you in C’na’an, the Land of the Plishtim, and you will be lost, without anyone living there …"
The cities of the Plishtim were destroyed some 2,600 years ago, and the Jewish Nation has returned to its Land in the past generations. We are not interested in the destruction of our adversaries’ cities. We prefer the fulfillment of the prophecy of Yeshayahu (2:1-3) that the nations will come to the Beit Hamikdash in search of Torah and inspiration from Hashem and from us. On the other hand, if enemies try to destroy us, they must know that their end could come in unpleasant ways.
At this time of international transition, with potential consequences to Israel, we take the opportunity to thank outgoing President Donald Trump for his outstanding support of Israel and his large part in several political achievements. We wish well to incoming President Joe Biden, and wish him and us that the relationship between our countries will remain strong and fruitful.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
