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Targum Yonatan applies the prohibition to all of the nation’s leaders because having too many horses causes haughtiness, decreased involvement in Torah, and, ultimately, the need for exile, including to Egypt. Rashi explains that when a king looks to obtain more horses, he sends officials to Egypt, and that is forbidden. The Ramban argues, citing the Yerushalmi, that it is actually permitted to visit Egypt on a commercial mission.
Therefore, the Ramban, like the Rambam, views obtaining too many horses and living in Egypt as independent prohibitions. The Sefer Hachinuch (#499), though, follows Rashi’s approach that avoiding Egypt is the rationale for the prohibition on horses.
In Tzofnat Yeshayahu (pp. 99-101), I humbly proposed another approach. This matter is a lesson in running an independent Jewish state (of which a monarchy is just one form). The defense of the country should be based on an army of reserve soldiers, not a giant standing army. Chariots and cavalry represent a standing army because only a professional army, which trains constantly, can effectively operate such forces. They need to maintain a high level of proficiency and keep in constant connection with the specific horses so that they respond properly in battle.
A standing army has many detriments. It requires a large budget to maintain because an army is not economically productive and its upkeep and equipment is very expensive. To find the money for this purpose raises the issue that the king must not amass gold and silver (ibid. 17). Establishing a large, equipped army also detracts from one’s reliance on Hashem and even belief in Him. Yeshayahu decried this, even in the time of the righteous King Chizkiyahu: "On horses they relied and trusted their chariots and their cavalry, for they were immense, and they did not turn to the Holy One of Israel, and did not seek Hashem" (Yeshayahu 31:1).
Also, developing a close "relationship" with one’s horse likely impinges on the time and interest necessary to raise a normal family as well as to connect to the elders of his community and tribe. We would add that almost every army has an atmosphere that is less than morally inspiring. On the whole, serving in an army is an almost assured recipe for spiritual deterioration, which only choice people can overcome. Even in our days of easier transportation, it is still difficult to serve in the standing army and maintain an ideal family and spiritual life. It is only with a strong spiritual background and strong foundations that one can ensure spiritually successful service in the army.
Therefore, officers in the regular army, including graduates of yeshivot hesder and mechinot k’dam tzvai’ot, deserve our great thanks for the sacrifices they make, in these regards as well. May their sacrifices remain only in the realm of preparedness and may they not be needed to fight in the near future.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Returning Torah to its Central Standing – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312
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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.