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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Vayikra
Parashat Naso includes the process of consecrating the Mishkan and its vessels (Bamidbar 7:1). Right thereafter, the Torah tells that the nesi’im (the heads of each of the tribes) began giving their offerings for the Mishkan (ibid. 2). This raises the question: what is the connection between the Mishkan (and, later, the Beit Hamikdash) and the nation’s political leadership?
Rav A.Y. Kook, zt"l, who founded the Chief Rabbinate of Israel well before the State of Israel was established or could be fully expected, taught us that an independent Jewish political entity is an inseparable part of the existence of the Divine Kingdom in the world. This too makes it all the more imperative to analyze what the place of the State is in the Mikdash.
The prophets were very engaged with the kings of Israel and their courts. Their exhortations were most commonly addressed to these leaders. The lessons they tried to teach found expression not only in their content but in the order of their prophesies, as we will now develop. We will first look at the sections in Melachim that deal with King Shlomo’s building of his kingdom’s edifices and the building of the Beit Hamikdash.
It is clear that Moshe was in charge of the building of the Mishkan. He oversaw everything, even if he appointed as head artisans, Betzalel (from the Tribe of Yehuda) and Ohaliav (from Dan). Because of Moshe’s unique persona and level, he led all three branches of government, parallel to Hashem’s complete control in leading the world. The reason he was in charge of the Mishkan was that he was the political ruler. That is also the reason that he served like a kohen during the seven days of consecration. On the eighth day, he handed the reins over to his brother, Aharon.
During the building of the Beit Hamikdash, Shlomo (from Yehuda) was the main person in charge of the building, along with Chiram (from Dan). In many places in the navi, it calls the Beit Hamikdash, "The house that Shlomo built for Hashem" (see Melachim I, 6:2). Shlomo was the one who offered korbanot and recited the prayers (see Melachim I, 8).
This is also what will be in the time of the building of the Third Temple. Yechezkel prophesied that the nasi (the equivalent to the king) will bring the sacrifices for the consecration (Yechezkel 46:4-5). The Rambam (Ma’aseh Hakorbanot 2:15) posits as well that the special offerings and arrangements during this week will be done by the nasi in the future.
We have thus proven that the executive branch of the nation has a special place in the building of the spiritual center of Bnei Yisrael. We will continue developing this thesis next week.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
