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There is an opposite use of pakod, where it means to note not who is there but who is missing. We find it in Bamidbar 31:49, regarding no one being missing at the end of the battle, and Shmuel I, 20:18. regarding David being missing from King Shaul’s table.
The Ramban explains pakod differently. It is to remember and/or to give attention to some matter. This applies to Hashem being poked Sarah (Bereishit 21:1 - recalling that she needed a child and acting on it) and a pikadon (Vayikra 5:23 - an object that is given over to be guarded).
The term is used three times in the beginning of Parashat Ki Tisa, where the rules of counting Bnei Yisrael are taught (Shemot 30:12). The first time is in proximity to "when you raise the heads …," which is to show the love involved in the count. The second time, the pekida refers to the count itself. The third time, it is to show the special Divine Providence to which Bnei Yisrael are entitled in this context.
There is a less pleasant side to Divine Providence. When Hashem is "more discerning," then when we sin, there is also more accountability. This finds expression after the sin of the Golden Calf, as Hashem informed Bnei Yisrael that on the day of pokdi (My accounting), I will be poked on them (i.e., make them pay for) their sin (Shemot 32:34). Rashi (ad loc.) comments that whenever Hashem decides to punish the nation for their sins, there is a portion of it that is for the sin of the Golden Calf. On the one hand, because of Hashem’s love for them, He did not destroy the nation for that sin. On the other hand, He does not forgive that sin, without making them accountable at the proper times and manners. Similarly, pakod is used in the thirteen attributes of Hashem concerning His acting on a person’s sins for three or four generations of offspring (ibid. 34:7).
After Yaakov died and Yosef was about to die in Egypt, he told his brothers that Hashem would certainly be poked them, this time in a recollection that leads to liberation. Not only did pakod refer to liberation but it was also given as a code-word for the liberator to prove his authenticity (Midrash Hagadol to Shemot 3:16). The secret was kept by the elderly Serach daughter of Asher, as it was passed down by the previous generation.
Let us pray for a full redemption to get to the point that Hoshea speaks of in this week’s haftara: Bnei Yisrael should be "as many as the granules of sand by the sea, which cannot be counted" (Hoshea 2:1).
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.