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When David Hamelech was fleeing from the rebellious Avshalom, many followers gathered with him. Tzadok and many leviim joined him, bringing along the aron to give support (Shmuel II, 15:23-26).
We see several telling phenomena at that time. First, there was great despair among David and his supporters, along with disappointment and frustration over the ingratitude of the rebellious son, Avshalom, and most of the nation who supported him. How could they turn their back on David, who had taken them from a low point, when Shaul was killed, to the highest level of success?
The arrival of Tzadok and the aron should have provided a major lift in spirit. The aron was the most "prized possession" of Bnei Yisrael, and there was a long legacy of how powerful it could be in battle. It was, after all, known as the "ark of the Lord upon which the Name of Hashem, Who dwells on the cherubim, was called" (Shmuel II, 6:2).The special standing of the aron finds expression in the Ramban (on Sefer Hamitzvot, Aseh 33) that only the making of the aron (not the making of any of the other vessels) was to be counted as a mitzva separate from the mitzva to build the mishkan.
Therefore, we might have expected that the arrival/support of two kohanim gedolim and the ark of the covenant would provide a powerful aura of sanctity to their group. Yet, David reacted differently, thus teaching us an important double lesson.
First, David had decided that the period in which the Divine Presence would be moved around was over. David instructed Tzadok, whom David told Shlomo should be the permanent kohen gadol as the beginning of a dynasty (see Yechezkel 44:15), to return the aron to Yerushalayim. Only Yerushalayim should host the aron. Once the Beit Hamikdash was built, "the Divine Presence would not move from the western wall." This is why we accept the Rambam’s position that the Temple Mount remains holy even when the Temple has been destroyed.
David also is an exceptional role model regarding the power of belief. He explained to his followers that if Hashem is happy with his actions, He will return him to his throne and David would merit continuing to actualize his dream of turning Yerushalayom into the spiritual and political center of the Jewish people. But even if Hashem would not have brought success in the struggle against Avshalom, David would have accepted the divine decision without qualms (Shmuel II, 15:26). The key word in that context is "hineni" (here I am). That is the same word that Avraham employed when he was apparently called on to slaughter Yitzchak to do His will. That would have been the end of Avraham’s dream, but he was prepared to accept it if that were the divine desire. David tapped into that power of hineni.
Let us pray that Hashem will grant us success as the sons of Avraham Avinu and as the soldiers of the always living King David. In order for our prayers to be accepted, we too should declare: Hineni. Maybe then we will merit to witness the Divine Presence return to its place by the aron.
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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.