YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Tetzave
The fire that was lit on the top of the menora (candelabrum) was a testament to the Divine Presence. However, the revelation occurred between the two keruvim (cherubim) on the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies, where normally no man may go.
Keruv and rochev (ride) share letters, and both hint at the Chariot upon which Hashem figuratively/spiritually "rides." The Rider of the Chariot is One Who can never be seen. In fact, only the very choicest of the spiritual can see even a vision of the Chariot, and it is strictly forbidden for one who is not on the appropriate, lofty spiritual level to delve into the topic (Chagiga 2:1). In honor of Purim Katan, with the idea of the hidden (hester) on our mind, we will carefully take a small peek.
A chariot that is not tied to a horse is not a functional chariot. In the Purim story, the turning point comes when Achashverosh commanded Haman to lead Mordechai around on the king’s horse. Riding on a royal horse or chariot was always a way of showing the greatest esteem. This was behind Paroh’s honoring Yosef with a special chariot (Bereishit 41:43) and Hashem’s sending a Heavenly chariot and horses of fire to bring Eliyahu up to the Heavens (Melachim II, 2:11).
A flesh and blood Jewish king is commanded to not have too many horses for his chariots, whereas Hashem has special chariots and horses of fire as we will see from another section of Melachim II. The King of Aram tried to seize the prophet Elisha, sending a delegation of troops with cavalry and chariots to capture him in Dotan. Elisha’s assistant panicked, and Elisha prayed to Hashem to show the assistant a vision of the Chariot. When the assistant opened his eyes, he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire to help Elisha (Melachim II, 6:16-17).
In Tanach we find mention of a vision of the Chariot in which angels of fire appear. One was Yeshayahu’s first prophecy (Yeshayahu 6:1-2). Yechezkel also saw the "Holy Beasts" (Yechezkel 1:5) and another time, he saw keruvim (ibid. 10:5). Other prophets saw chariots and horses (Zecharia 6:2).
The midrash tells us that mention of the king in Megillat Esther can refer simultaneously to the human king and hint at the King of the World (Esther Rabba 3:10). We can suggest that the horse Mordechai rode had elements of being "Hashem’s horse." Then, Mordechai experienced something similar to what Eliyahu experienced – to ride a spiritual chariot, go the inner sanctums, and see a vision of keruvim.
On Purim, people dress in disguise; even Hashem and His horses do so. Esther, as well, had to go to an inner sanctum in an officially forbidden manner. To the extent we will follow her instructions to "go and gather all of the Jews" (Esther 4:16) we will debunk the accusation of being a "scattered nation" (ibid. 3:8). When we act as a united nation, with brotherly love, it is our enemies, not we, who must worry.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
