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Beit Midrash
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The Rambam (Melachim 1:1) rules: There were three mitzvot that Bnei Yisrael were commanded upon entering the Land – to appoint a king, to eradicate the nation of Amalek, and to build a permanent Sanctuary. The mitzva to appoint a king precedes the other two, in which case it is noteworthy that Bnei Yisrael did not appoint such a king for some 400 years from the time that Yehoshua led the nation into Eretz Yisrael. Why didn’t they do so? Because they did not have full independence. What prevented full independence? The answer can be found in silence.
The Plishtim prevented our dominion and even independence, and this is the reason they are all but missing in the Chumash (the Plishtim of the forefathers’ era was a different nation). They are mentioned in passing only in Shemot. When explaining why Bnei Yisrael did not travel from Egypt to Eretz Yisrael via the coastal road, known as "the road of the Land of the Plishtim," the Torah explains: "… lest the nation have regret when they see battle and return to Egypt" (Shemot 13:17). In other words, the Plishtim were too powerful for the young nation to be ready to confront in battle. The second, cryptic reference was in the context of the boundaries of Eretz Yisrael – the Mediterranean is called the Sea of the Plishtim.
When Yehoshua entered the Land and had many successful conquests, the navi still details the areas that were "left over," i.e., not conquered. Very prominent among them were the areas inhabited and controlled by the Plishtim (Yehoshua 13:1-3).
Returning to our parasha, Moshe Rabbeinu summarized the history since the Exodus and mentions what was conquered on the eastern side of the Jordan, the sojourns in the area, and the giving of land in that area to Reuven and Gad. Not a word is mentioned about the Plishtim. Apparently, Moshe knew that this problem would not disappear so quickly. Israeli sovereignty and the establishment of a state is something that requires much Divine Assistance, special leadership, staying power, and a properly prepared army. It took hundreds of years after entering the Land and was accomplished only at the time, and based on the actions, of Shmuel, Shaul, and especially David.
After 2,000 years of exile and subservience, we have received independence in a large part of the Land west of the Jordan. The dreams of generations were fulfilled, and a wondrous process of ingathering of the exiles took place. [This was written during the "summer of Corona," which included civil tension surrounding lockdowns. At the time of translation, we do not know how the streets will look when this is read.] We have a great responsibility to protect that which has been gained. Social deterioration and anarchy in the streets are dangerous events, and these dangers can grow exponentially. While exponential growth in Covid infection is dangerous, the danger of "civil war" is much more serious and concerning. Specifically, during the Three Weeks, let us protect our wonderful state with love and unity, remembering that the virus does not distinguish between parts in the nation.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
