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Let’s add to this another question: The Torah later says that we should do that which is "Good & Right, ha-tov v’ha-yashar," in the eyes of G-d. What differentiates "good" & "right?" And why davka does it reference the eyes of G-d?
Rashi enlightens us: "Tov" means good in the eyes of Heaven, while "Yashar" means right in the eyes of humanity. We have been given two eyes, rather than one, for a good reason: We must constantly look up to the Heavens for approval, checking that we are conducting ourselves in the way Hashem would want us to act. Yet it is not enough to seek approval for our actions solely in the Heavenly court. The way we act must also be palatable & pleasant to those around us; how others look upon our behavior is of no less importance than how G-d sees us.
This requires us to constantly check our actions. G-d may love it when we exuberantly sing out in prayer & loudly praise Hashem’s name, but how do the people davening next to us feel about it?! Are we perhaps impinging on their ability to pray with kavana - concentration? And while it is incumbent upon me (and all Jews!) to learn Torah, do I have the right to make others pay my expenses in order to do so? In other words, it may be "tov" in G-d’s eyes, but is it "yashar" in people’s?
And yes, it’s a very noble thing to speak out or march in support of a cause that we believe benefits the greater community. But if that march is on Shabbat, have we brought honor to Hashem’s name?! It may be Yashar, but is it Tov?!
Perhaps we can now answer our initial question about the unusual combination of the singular & the plural in the opening sentence of our sedra. Each of us has a personal, unique relationship with Hashem, a "one-on-one" that accompanies us every moment of our lives. And we have to be true to that singular dynamic, & appreciate just how special that makes each & every one of us to G-d.
But we must also recognize that we are not alone in this world; we are part of a greater whole, a community, a worldwide family. What we do affects not only ourselves; it extends far & wide. Because not only are we connected to G-d; we are joined at the Neshama with every other Jew. So we must look carefully in both directions, & be "right" and "good" at the same time.
The gematriya of Tov V’Yashar (533) equals "she’lo l’fached klal." If we follow this advice, we will have nothing whatsoever to fear from G-d - or Man.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
