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Beit Midrash
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In the very middle of the parsha there is a statement that could well be considered the centerpiece, the code and catch-all phrase of the sedra: "And people of holiness shall you be to me." ((22:30). Does this not sum up everything? Is this not the "bottom line" of what the entire Torah is meant to teach us, the "end game," what is meant to be accomplished in the training of our neshamot?
And yet, the second half of this same elevated verse is mystifying. It says: "The flesh of an animal that is found torn in the field shall not be eaten; it should instead be passed to a dog."
What could this possibly to do with the mandate to be holy?! It seems like we are going from the sublime to the ridiculous; I could have thought of innumerable other directives to complement the first part of the pasuk.
But perhaps Rashi - as always - can enlighten us as to what is going on here. He quotes the Mechilta who reminds us that the dogs helped us in Egypt. They did not bark as we left on our exodus, so as not to attract any undue attention to us, which might have caused the populace to react violently against us. For this, Hashem compensates the canine world by ordering us not to simply throw away treif meat, but rather to give it to the dogs. Says Rashi: "the Holy One, blessed be He, does not withhold the reward of any creature."
Ahh, here is the point then: What most matters in life is establishing a connection, a binding covenant between us and G-d. We have our task to accomplish - to be holy, with all that entails. And Hashem has His committment as well - to recognize what we do and acknowledge it with His blessings. To be "kadosh" is a lot to ask of us, a lifelong task that is extremely demanding; but it becomes infinitely easier to fulfill when we know that G-d sees & appreciates our actions. Make no "bones" about it: these are the twin towers of any relationship - trust, and mutual respect.
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.
