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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Re'e
Let's answer by asking another question! The Torah later says we should do "that which is good & right" (ha-tov v'ha-yashar), in the eyes of G-d. What is the difference between good & right? And why the eyes? Does Hashem really have "eyes," or is another message being sent?
Rashi comments that "good" means "good in the eyes of Heaven," while "right" means "right in the eyes of man." What Rashi seems to be saying is we have been given two eyes, rather than one, for a very good reason: We must, at all times, look up to the Heavens & be sure that we are acting in the way Hashem would want us to act.
But at the same time, it is not enough to seek approval for our actions in the Heavenly court alone. The way we act must also be palatable to those around us; how they look upon our behavior is also of paramount importance.
This requires us to constantly check our actions. Yes, G-d may love it when we exuberantly sing out in prayer to Him & loudly praise His name. But wait - how do the people davening next to us feel about it?! Are we impinging on their ability to pray undisturbed, with concentration?
And yes, it is a very noble thing, for example, to march for the cause of human rights. But if that march happens to be on a Saturday & so desecrates the Shabbat - have we truly brought honor & glory to Hashem's name & His commandment to respect & observe Shabbat?!
Now, perhaps, we can answer our initial question about the unusual combination of the singular & the plural in the opening sentence of Re'eh. Each of us has a personal, unique relationship with G-d, a one-on-One connection that accompanies us every moment of our lives. We must be true to that singular dynamic & appreciate just how special that makes each & every one of us.
But - we must also recognize that we are not alone in this world, we are part of a greater whole, a community, a worldwide family. What we do affects not only ourselves; it extends far & wide. Not only are we connected to Hashem; we are joined at the neshama with every other Jew. And so, we have to look & focus carefully in both directions & be "right" and "good" at the very same time.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
