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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
What is the connection between the complaints and the circumvention of Edom? How could the nation call the man by the negative description, lechem hakelokel? After all, the Torah praises its taste (Shemot 16:31), and Chazal tell us that it was possible to taste any taste one wanted when eating it and relate other miracles that accompanied it (Yoma 75a). What is the significance of the specific, unusual punishment at the hands of the snakes?
One of the mitzvot which is still popular among a very broad section of Jews is lighting candles on the eve of Shabbat. The gemara (Shabbat 25b) says that it is an absolute obligation and Tosafot (ad loc.) explain that it is necessary to increase oneg Shabbat (pleasantness of the Shabbat experience - see also Mishna Berura (263:1)). At least part of the explanation is based on the fact that people enjoy their food better when they can see it. The combination of the good taste and the attractive appearance completes the positive experience.
The man, the miraculous food which accompanied Bnei Yisrael until they reached inhabited land, was a delicacy from the perspective of its taste. One could taste whatever he wanted. The generation that left Egypt knew the tastes of many different kinds of food and could pinpoint any type of taste they desired. On the other hand, they had given up the variety of appearances one could experience with food. However, its reliable availability and its taste made it an attractive alternative for them.
The generation that grew up in the desert with the man and was now preparing to enter the Land had a different perspective. They did not know how to channel their taste desires because of a lack of culinary experience. They lived with that, but the matter became more difficult when they came in contact with other nations as they approached Edom and saw "real" food. Then people began complaining about their lot regarding the man they were weary of seeing. Hashem’s response was simple. Did they want miracles or nature? If they wanted everything natural, then they must realize that a nation that walks through the wilderness for 40 years will chance upon and be imperiled by many venomous snakes. The lesson was that one cannot, as a rule, "hold the rope from its two ends" and choose when he wants miracles and when he wants a natural life.
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.
