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Beit Midrash
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Thus, there does not seem to have been a need to rekindle a fire on the altar from scratch. What was needed was providing fuel on a regular basis (Rambam, Temidin 2:2 – twice a day) and not extinguishing the existing fire (Vayikra 6:6; see Rashi ad loc.). Certainly, there was not a need to light a new flame before bringing a new korban (see Rav S.R. Hirsch to Vayikra 1:7). Yet, in one place (Vayikra 1:7) the Torah describes a specific korban as involving a kohen bringing fire to the altar for it, and Chazal speak about not sufficing with the fire from Above but that there is a mitzva to bring normal fire as well (Yoma 53a). The Rambam (Temidin 2:1) seems to understand that this mitzva is fulfilled by making the normal efforts to make sure that the fire does not go out, including by running out of fuel. Apparently then, the fire that is described as being brought for a specific, personal korban is also referring to using that which is already there.
Rav Hirsch (ibid.) explains that the fire of the mizbe’ach represents the Torah, which is referred to as eish dat (the teachings of fire) – Devarim 33:2). If this is the case, then we can provide the following philosophical perspective on the matter of different types of fire – divine; normal, existing, new fire; … and, especially, Torah. (Excuse me as I switch back and forth between the metaphor and the original subject.) The Torah came down from Hashem in a miraculous manner. However, since then, it is preserved, passed on, and in some paradoxical ways enhanced by human intervention. Man is commanded to "add fuel daily" and make sure "not to extinguish the fire" but to "keep it going eternally." Thus, the Torah is a fire of divine origin, which is later attributed to man as well (Torah dilei hoo – Kiddushin 32b). Not only nationally but also individually when we are involved in Torah, we are not only considered keeping the flame/Torah going but like one who lit the fire himself
May we always savor the opportunity to connect ourselves to the eternal flame of the Torah and be considered as lighting it.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
