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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
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We have discussed the connection between roots that contain the root-part tzel, such as tzelem (form), hatzala (salvation), and tzela (rib). We will continue in a similar direction. The Pesikta (Lekach Tov, Bereishit I:26) comments: "Tzelem represents the form in which a matter is seen … and it is similar to ‘their shadow has been removed,’ which means that the images of their faces were changed … due to fear." Ibn Ezra turns this homiletic idea into the simple reading of the pasuk: "If a warrior does not have a shield to protect him and be a shadow for him, his heart will be full of fear." The Seforno explains similarly: "They agree to leave all of their offensive and defensive weapons behind to enable them to flee quickly." Thus, we can explain that the Canaanite nations were so fearful of Bnei Yisrael’s expected arrival that they were ready to throw away their weapons and run for their lives.
We find similar imagery in Az Yashir (Shemot 15:14-15) and in Rachav’s description of her compatriots as Bnei Yisrael were approaching (Yehoshua 2:11). However, this approach is difficult because there is no hint at it in the rest of the discussion. We will go in a different direction.
The gematria (numerical value of the letters) of tzelem is 160, which, points out the Shelah, is the same etz (tree). When Moshe spelled out the spies’ mission, one of the matters to determine was whether "there are trees or not" (Bamidbar 13:20). In Hebrew there is also overlap between the words tzel (shadow) and etz. Rashi connects them by saying that both words hint at righteous people, who have a developed tzelem of Hashem and position themselves in the shadow of the Divine Presence. They protect the people of their nation. Therefore Rashi explains that Yehoshua and Kalev were saying that the "shadow of Hashem" had left them, or in other words, the inhabitants of Canaan lost their spiritual, moral protection. In such circumstances, as long as Bnei Yisrael preserved their own spiritual level, they had nothing to worry about.
In the praises of the beloveds in Shir Hashirim, he says that when the tzelalim disappear, he will go to the Mountain of Mor and the Hill of Levona (Shir Hashirim 4:6). The midrash identifies these places as related to Avraham and Yitzchak, who acted piously together on Mount Moriah. In other words, our protection is from our privilege as descendants of the forefathers.
Our patriarchs taught us that Hashem does not want people to sacrifice their children to Him in the primitive manner of other inhabitants of the Land. (Those of our enemies who use their children as human shields to enable them to more easily target civilian populations and then assail Israel for accidentally injuring their civilian population, are cynical people who embrace the lowest tendencies in mankind, and are undeserving of a part of the merit of the righteous.)
May we merit having leaders like Yehoshua and Kalev, who presented an example of morality in the nation and the Land.
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.
