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Beit Midrash
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- Vayikra
- Achrei Mot
The Parsha describes the 'seder avodah' --the entire service that takes place on Yom Kippur in the Beit Hamikdash. However, before the Torah begins its description it mentions- "after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before the L-rd, and died". Why is it necessary to mention this? The next pasuk explains: "Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil…that he not die".
In other words, if you'd like to enter into the Kodesh Hakodashim (Holy of Holies), there are a few absolute conditions: You must bring sacrifices, wear specific clothing, and only enter on the day of Yom Kippur. The Torah tells you how, when, and where you may approach.
So why begin the description of the Avoda with telling us of the demise of the sons of Aaron?
It seems that after the death of the two sons of Aaron, Nadav and Avihu, one could assume that from now on, there is no longer an opportunity for entering this most holy place. Who would want to take such a risk? Wouldn't it be wise to avoid "playing with fire"? Better to keep away. "Look at what happened to Nadav and Avihu!". The motivation and desire to come close to Hashem is much reduced or even gone.
However, here comes the Torah with a new interpretation: G-d wants us to come close to Him. It is proper and legitimate to come into the Kodesh Hakodashim. Nadav and Avihu's actions are correct in principle, although, in practice there are ways of doing things. Conditions and constraints are required- the how, why, and where. These rules are not here just for their own sake, but rather, these restrictions are what allow us to approach Hashem.
How amazing it is to see the commentary of the Vilna Gaon (Vayikra 16:5) and the Netziv (Vayikra 16:2,32) that explain why the Torah only mentions the calendar date of Yom Kippur (10th of Tishrei) at the end of the long description of the Avodah. They explain that truly Aaron had the privilege and right to enter the Kodesh Hakodashim all year round. If he wanted, all he needed to do to enter was to fulfill the entire Avodah and procedures of Yom Kippur on any single day. In this way, he was able to "come at all times into the Holy Place".
The Parsha teaches us the true purpose of the Avodah on Yom Kippur, namely, the fixing of the sin of Nadav and Avihu. The laws of the Torah are not meant to limit us. Rather, it is to enable us to have the closeness and relationship we desire between G-d and ourselves.
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.
