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The p’sukim speak of Betzalel and Ohaliav and "all of the men with a wise heart" as those who "Hashem gave wisdom to know how to do the work of the holy tasks" (Shemot 36:1). Chazal do speak about special qualities of Betzalel, who knew for example how to "connect the letters with which the heavens and earth were created" and that he had been in "the shadow of Hashem" (Berachot 55a). Indeed, Betzalel and Ohaliav were "called by name" by Hashem as those chosen to lead the lay efforts of the building of the Mishkan (Shemot 35:30). Regarding their staffs, not only were the people not listed in the Torah by name, but the p’sukim indicate that they were not appointed by Hashem. Nor was it like the elders who were selected based on their previous experience (Bamidbar 11:16). Rather the Torah describes the group as "all whose heart raised him up to draw close to the work to do it" (Shemot 36:2).
Thus, the criterion seems to be that whoever found it within himself to step forward was the right person. As far as talent, the Torah describes them as "the wise of the heart to whom Hashem gave wisdom in his heart" (ibid.). One could understand that no experience or talent was needed, as Hashem provided all. On the other hand, the gemara (ibid.) says in this context that Hashem gives wisdom only to those who are already wise. Rav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht (my rosh yeshiva at Kerem B’Yavneh) used to explain there are two types of wisdom: there is base wisdom is the desire to obtain wisdom, which then allows one to receive the divine wisdom he uses; the people mustered up their own base wisdom.
In our context, we can suggest that those who stepped forward did not just have a theoretical desire or even just davened for the wisdom. Rather, "they raised their hearts to draw close." In other words, they didn’t just want to be chosen by Hashem – they stepped forward with the conviction that they could do it. Perhaps they were no different in experience and talent from others, but their desire, conviction, and their confidence, based not on haughtiness but on a belief that Hashem would enable them to succeed, made them uniquely qualified to be the wise ones to whom Hashem gave wisdom
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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.
