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Beit Midrash
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- Redemption - Geula
- Ways of Redemption
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Question: Who will ingather our exiles to the Land of Israel – will it be G-d, or the Mashiah? What is the source that a person will ingather us?
Answer: The Mashiah is described in several Biblical passages. The first one is in Parshat Balak, where the Gentile prophet Bil'am speaks his prophecy (Numbers 24,17), and as Maimonides explains, he is referring to the Mashiah. Many commentators also understand Isaiah 11 and 52-53, and elsewhere, as referring to the Mashiah. In the Midrash we find many references to the Redemption (Geula) that will come about via the Mashiah. And Maimonides ruled accordingly (Laws of Kings 11,1).
The Talmud records an Amoraic dispute on this matter (Tr. Sanhedrin 99a): "Rabbe Hillel [not Hillel the Elder, who lived much earlier, during the Second Temple period] said: There will be no Mashiah for Israel [because G-d Himself will redeem them], because [his prophecies were already] fulfilled during the times of King Hizkiyahu."
R. Yosef responded: "May G-d forgive Rabbe Hillel for saying this! King Hizkiyahu lived during the First Temple period, whereas the Prophet Zecharia prophesized during the Second Temple period about the future arrival of the Mashiah, saying: 'Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion; raise a shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you, victorious and triumphant, humble, riding on a donkey…' (Zech. 9,9)."
In Rabbe Hillel's opinion, the Redemption will come without a Mashiah, that is, without a central figure who will lead the Redemption process. This is precisely what we are seeing in our generation. But on the other hand, R. Yosef feels that the Redemption will in fact be led by the Mashiah.
And in truth, it could be that the two sages do not disagree. The first stage of the Geula will take place without a Mashiah, while later on in the process, the Mashiah will be revealed to the world and will conclude the Redemption.
In any event, Maimonides also wrote that it is not critical for us to study these matters, because "we will not know how it will be until it happens" (Kings 12,2). And in our generation we truly see how the Redemption is unfolding before our eyes without a specific Mahsiah, but rather via the entire Nation of Israel.
Question: Who will ingather our exiles to the Land of Israel – will it be G-d, or the Mashiah? What is the source that a person will ingather us?
Answer: The Mashiah is described in several Biblical passages. The first one is in Parshat Balak, where the Gentile prophet Bil'am speaks his prophecy (Numbers 24,17), and as Maimonides explains, he is referring to the Mashiah. Many commentators also understand Isaiah 11 and 52-53, and elsewhere, as referring to the Mashiah. In the Midrash we find many references to the Redemption (Geula) that will come about via the Mashiah. And Maimonides ruled accordingly (Laws of Kings 11,1).
The Talmud records an Amoraic dispute on this matter (Tr. Sanhedrin 99a): "Rabbe Hillel [not Hillel the Elder, who lived much earlier, during the Second Temple period] said: There will be no Mashiah for Israel [because G-d Himself will redeem them], because [his prophecies were already] fulfilled during the times of King Hizkiyahu."
R. Yosef responded: "May G-d forgive Rabbe Hillel for saying this! King Hizkiyahu lived during the First Temple period, whereas the Prophet Zecharia prophesized during the Second Temple period about the future arrival of the Mashiah, saying: 'Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion; raise a shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you, victorious and triumphant, humble, riding on a donkey…' (Zech. 9,9)."
In Rabbe Hillel's opinion, the Redemption will come without a Mashiah, that is, without a central figure who will lead the Redemption process. This is precisely what we are seeing in our generation. But on the other hand, R. Yosef feels that the Redemption will in fact be led by the Mashiah.
And in truth, it could be that the two sages do not disagree. The first stage of the Geula will take place without a Mashiah, while later on in the process, the Mashiah will be revealed to the world and will conclude the Redemption.
In any event, Maimonides also wrote that it is not critical for us to study these matters, because "we will not know how it will be until it happens" (Kings 12,2). And in our generation we truly see how the Redemption is unfolding before our eyes without a specific Mahsiah, but rather via the entire Nation of Israel.
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.
