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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Mishpatim
In this week's parsha we come across a very important letter. It is, perhaps one of the most important letters in the entire Torah. The long list of detailed laws in Parshat Mishpatim begin with the words "V'aileh Hamishpatim"-"AND these are the laws". Rashi (Shmot 21:1) explains that this apparently superfluous letter of "vav" (and) is to teach us that this list of laws that we read were all given and announced at Har Sinai and not afterwards. Why is this so important for the Torah to emphasize?
After the great ceremony at Mount Sinai of fire, light, and the frightening sound of Hashem's voice, one might think that this ended forever. Lights off, curtains closed. In truth, it all continues after that! We make sure that the Shechina (presence of G-d) remains with us in our daily lives. We want to meet Hashem in every situation - in our business, relationships, accidents, money, and home. This was all part of the original plan, and part of the fire and lighting ceremony.
Mount Sinai thus becomes a relevant occurrence forever in the life of the Jew.
The unique mission of the judges
Rashi adds that the Sanhedrin, which consists of the highest judges in the nation, need to be seated next to the alter (mizbeach) in the Beit Hamikdash (Great Temple). Why is this important? It is to show the nation where the source of inspiration is for the great Jewish judges. That it emanates from the Alter, and of course, the Mikdash, the Temple. It is not to display the legal organization of Jewish society, or the Jewish mind, or common sense, but to show where we get our brilliance.
Rashi goes on to state that 'erkaot', or the non-Jewish legal system, is off-limits to us. That is even if the rulings would be identical. The reason is that they emphasize an entirely different philosophy, agenda and attitude towards laws.
This may explain why the Torah, in this parsha, uses the word 'elohim' to refer to judges. Elohim, of course, means God, masters, or lords. This is not coincidental. Fulfilling the G-d given laws is critical to obeying G-d's will in this world.
"G-d stands in the congregation of G-d; in the midst of the judges He judges" (Psalms chapter 82). He actually sits with them in court. This is much greater than any High Court of Justice. This is a remarkable way to preserve the historic revelation at Mt. Sinai in every situation in our lives, as well as in the courtroom.
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.
