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R' Yosef ben Yaakov
Our parasha contains two elements that are not in Kri’at Shema, both related to security. The Land will not see war, and animals will not ravage. Tannaim dispute the situation regarding the animals. Some say those animals will not be present in our Land at that time. R. Shimon (Bar Yochai) posits that the promise’s greatness lies in that dangerous beasts will be present but will behave peacefully. Why are these elements not found in Kri’at Shema?
To understand we need to see another related machloket, involving R. Shimon. R. Yishmael explains the blessing, ve’asafta deganecha (you will gather your grains), as it sounds, that the blessed will have much harvesting to do from his plentiful crop. R. Shimon says that this is not such a special blessing, as spending so much time in the field takes away from Torah study. Rather, he says, when Bnei Yisrael follow Hashem’s Will, the work of the righteous is done by others (Berachot 35b). Ve’asafta deganecha, says R. Shimon, refers to a time when Bnei Yisrael do not fulfill the Divine Will. Tosafot (ad loc.) ask how it is possible that the section that starts, "if you listen to My commandments," is talking about those who act improperly. They answer that there are different levels. Kri’at Shema is talking about tzaddikim, but not full tzaddikim. The Maharsha finds a hint for that contention. Whereas the first parasha of Kri’at Shema talks about those who love Hashem with all of their hearts, souls, and wherewithal, the second parasha leaves out wherewithal.
R. Meir Simcha explains that R. Shimon Bar Yochai has a consistent approach in both contexts. As his life demonstrates, he felt that entering a cave if need be and living a life cut off from a normal, physical existence is an ideal. One who reaches such a high, unnatural level does not have to worry about normal things like earning a livelihood or fearing vicious animals; he works on a different plane. However, concludes the gemara, the masses who tried to adopt R. Shimon’s approach were unsuccessful.
Every generation has unique individuals who are able to succeed in a life almost devoid of physicality and normal, prudent steps in life. Normal people do mitzvot regularly, find time for Torah study, but also find time to earn a living. As for dealing with animals, a standard society has to develop the world so that there are places set aside for human inhabitation and other areas where animals can roam wild.
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.
