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Asher Ben Haim
The former description of Avraham comes in the context of Hashem’s decision to allow Avraham to intercede on behalf of the people of S’dom. The latter is Hashem’s explanation of the merit through which the role of the Chosen Nation would be bestowed upon Avraham’s offspring. Indeed, Avraham had a dual role. He was the founder of a nation dedicated to the service of Hashem on the highest level. He was also an "av hamon goyim" (the father of a multitude of nations), who taught belief in G-d and basic morality to any nation or person who was willing to listen.
If one views the content of the praises he will see that each is appropriate for its context. It was Avraham the world leader who was allowed to intercede on behalf of S’dom. He had a legacy as a man who taught charity and justice so that his followers could follow the way of Hashem. These were two attributes that S’dom had not internalized, to speak mildly. Yet, Avraham was given the opportunity to try to convince Hashem that the situation was salvageable, which it was not.
However, these attributes were not the basis for the nation that Avraham would found. The Chosen Nation would have to accept and fulfill a full regimen of strict observances (ibid.). Avraham led the way in this regard, as Chazal (Kiddushin 82a) learned from this pasuk that he observed all the Torah’s intricate laws before they were given. This accomplished two things. First, it gave Avraham merit, which made him deserve the nation. Second, it inculcated in his offspring a proclivity toward success in this demanding area, which came in good stead at Sinai and beyond.
We must remember that the two elements of Avraham’s legacy are incorporated in one person. The same person who followed his Maker by loving charity and justice was also disciplined enough to keep the myriad intricacies of halacha. Similarly, vice versa is true. In fact, we could point to the order of the occurrences in the Torah and apply the rule of "derech eretz kadma laTorah" (a proper approach toward people is a prerequisite to excellence in Torah). May the children of Avraham not settle for excellence in humanism or religiosity but strive for excellence in both and learn to incorporate them harmoniously as people and a nation.
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.