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But they weren’t the first to say it: Rav Dessler, for example, says it, too, when he explains why the root of Love Ahava is "hav," which means "to give:" If you want someone to love you, give to him; he will then give to you in return, & that will create an ongoing loving relationship.
But the first to expound this principle, of course, is Hashem, in this week’s Sedra, when He tells Moshe: "Speak to Bnei Yisrael that they may take for Me a gift." Take rather than Give, because when you give from your heart, you receive much, much more in return.
That is why the Hebrew word Natan (nun, tav, nun) is the same backwards & forwards; giving creates an endless cycle of more giving, until giving & taking fuse into one.
This, of course, is the essence of EVERY Mitzva: You think you are giving to another - be it to a person or Hashem - but the reality is that you yourself are the real recipient. Shabbat, tefila, tzedaka, fasting on Yom Kippur; the beneficiary of every Mitzva policy is YOU.
The story is told of Rav Eliezer Gordon, founder of Telz, who studied for many years through the generous support of his father-in-law. Many times he wanted to take a Rabbinic position, but his father-in-law convinced him to stay on a bit longer & continue his learning. Finally, Rav Gordon felt he must utilize his learning & share it by serving a community (the Eisheshok khila).
"I cannot allow you to continue to support me," Rav Gordon told his benefactor, who whispered under his breath, "I’m not sure who is actually supporting who!" On the very day Rav Gordon finally moved to his new position, his father-in-law had a heart attack & died. It was then clear who was giving, & who was receiving.
Perhaps now we understand why, in our Parsha, Am Yisrael is first commanded to contribute to the Mishkan, & only then commanded to build the Mishkan! It should have been the opposite; Hashem should have said: "Here is My plan for a Mishkan; now here is how you will get the materials, by donating." And this is why Hashem says to Moshe, "Tell the people to make Me a Mikdash, and I will dwell in them."
The point is clear: You don’t merit having a Mishkan, a repository of G-d’s holiness, unless you first are giving people! Learn to selflessly give of yourself, your time, your money & your energy - & you will become the architect of your own personal Mishkan. The Almighty will then be absolutely delighted to dwell both within it - and within you!
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.
