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But of course, there is a lot to learn from these korbanot, because the Torah is eternal & nothing in it can be at all insignificant. So let’s see what kernels we can garner:
The Shlamim: This is a voluntary offering, it derives its name ("peace") from the fact that it is divided into 3 parts: one part is burnt on the mizbeyach, 1 part goes to the Kohen & 1 part goes to the owner of the korban. This is the ideal formula: when we take care of our own needs, look out for others & acknowledge G-d, we create peace in the world.
The Todah is a form of the Shlamim & it sends the message that a Jew ("Yehudi") must always be giving thanks for the many blessings we have – our safety, our health, our freedom, our status as Hashem’s "first-born."
The Olah, which is brought from an animal or bird & burnt completely on the mizbeyach, atones for one who considers doing a sin, yet does not do it. It is a reminder that we should purify not only our actions, but even our thoughts. Thinking good about others is a great virtue. Indeed, a person’s intent is always taken into account by G-d, & it can both invalidate korbanot ("pigul") as well as validate them ("kavana"). Hashem is a "Yodaya Machshavot" who knows full well where our actions are coming from.
The Chatat & Asham are animal offerings that atone for someone who acted carelessly & followed his/her desires rather than Hashem’s will. It basically warns us not to act like an animal that does things impulsively & does not have the capacity to think & consider its actions. The "animalistic" side or soul within each of us must be tempered as much as possible, while still retaining our passion for carrying out acts of holiness.
The modest Mincha flour offering, often brought by the poor, who can’t afford an animal, atones for the jealousy or anger that often accompanies indigence. It instructs us that despite our many challenges, we must all strive to be happy & secure with our own lot in life and focus primarily on the blessings we certainly have.
Finally, each korban includes "vidui:" we place our hands on the offering – as if we are transferring our misdeeds to the animal - & confess that, in truth, it is we - not the animal - who deserve punishment, but fortunately, Hashem is a forgiving G-d. Humbly facing (up to) our sins is the only way we can hope to avoid making the same mistake in the future.
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.
