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Although in historical retrospect it is clear that Yirmeyahu was correct, many of the people of his time viewed him as a heretic. They viewed the Divine Presence in the Temple as a fact that could not be altered (see Yirmeyahu 7:4). As a matter of fact, some of Yirmeyahu’s opponents wanted to have him killed for his harsh words regarding the people and especially the Temple (see Yirmeyahu 26). There is indeed some truth to the claim that there is permanence to the Divine Presence at the Temple site. The midrash says that the western wall will never be destroyed (Bamidbar Rabba 11). Forgetting about the physical structure, the Rambam rules that one cannot enter the site when impure because "even in its destruction, its sanctity remains intact" (Beit Habechira 7:7).
On the other hand, some 150 years earlier the prophet, Micha, referred to the philosophy that the Temple was indestructible and attacked it strongly. "On Hashem they will lean, saying: ‘for Hashem is in our midst, evil will not befall us.’ Therefore, because of you Zion will be ploughed like a field and Jerusalem will be like heaps of rubble and the Temple Mount will be like stone heaps in the forest" (Micha 3: 11-12). Yirmeyahu had said that the Temple would be like Shiloh and the inhabitants of the city would be wiped out from it (Yirmeyahu 26:9). The "defense team" said that just as Micha had not been harmed, so should they allow Yirmeyahu the freedom to speak in Hashem’s Name (ibid.:18).
The historical precedent of Shiloh was a strong argument indeed. Shiloh had been the site not of the permanent structure of the Temple, but it was the site of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the precursor to the Temple, which had indeed been destroyed. Let us pursue the comparison. The ones who had operated the Tabernacle at Shilo had been the descendants of Itamar, including Eili, under whose watch the Mishkan was destroyed. One of the members of Eili’s family, Evyatar, upon being banished by King Solomon, was sent home to Anatot (Melachim I, 2). As Yirmeyahu was also a kohen from Anatot hundreds of years later, it is likely that he too was from Eili’s family. There is a rabbinic tradition that the Tabernacle stood in Shiloh for 369 years (Tosefta, Zevachim 13:6). Yirmeyahu’s prophecy was said at the beginning of Yehoyakim’s reign. At that time, one can calculate that the Temple had been standing exactly 369 years. Yirmeyahu, based on his family tradition and the timing, was able to speak with a chilling force when he said the Temple would be destroyed like Shiloh, thus eliciting such a harsh reaction.
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.