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The next pasuk is a command not to go at all times into the Holy of Holies, the place where the Divine Presence rests on the ark, as doing so can cause death. In other words, it is dangerous to go into the Holy of Holies, and therefore not worthwhile to go in there, except on Yom Kippur, when the kohen gadol is obligated to go in.
The end of this pasuk provides an additional apparent contradiction: "… for in the cloud I will be seen over the cover of the ark." If there is "cloud-cover," then Hashem will indeed not be seen! Here too, there are different approaches as to how to reconcile the matter, and a key part of the matter relates to the meaning of "in the cloud." Some understand that it refers to "the clouds of glory," which were visible at different times to the nation in the desert as a whole. Another possibility is that it refers to the mist emanating from the special incense that the kohen gadol offered when he went alone into the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. We can also suggest that Hashem does reveal Himself to those who fear Him, but that it is dangerous to try to see the Divine Presence.
Let us go back to Parashat Shemini and Moshe’s explanation of his nephews’ deaths: "Through those who are close to Me I shall be sanctified, and on the face of the whole nation I will be glorified." Both things are true. Hashem is holier than all that is holy and more distant than all that is distant, and it is very dangerous for even those who are close to draw near. On the other hand, Hashem is also close to those who call out to Him and is found in all places.
This paradox is at the heart of the section of prayer we call Kedusha, based on the pasuk from Yeshayahu (6:3): "Holy, holy, holy is Hashem the Lord of Hosts; the whole world is full of His glory." It is true both that "Man shall not see Me and live" (Shemot 33:20) and that "From my flesh I will gaze at the Lord" (Iyov 19:26). It is dangerous to enter the Holy of Holies, but Aharon is required to do so in pursuit of atonement for the nation on Yom Kippur.
Sometimes the divine speech is done with thunderous silence, as Hashem is the source of the sound of delicate silence (Melachim I, 19:11-12). Other times the Divine sounds are so powerful that they can be "seen" (see Shemot 20:15).
These are not really contradictions. The spiritual world is complex and deep. Only one-dimensional superficiality sees it as full of contradiction.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
