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It is noteworthy that not only was battle with the Plishtim avoided then, but even after Yehoshua led Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael 40 years later, the Plishtim’s land went untouched. Not one Plishti city is listed among those conquered in that generation (Yehoshua 12), whereas prominent Plishti cities, including Aza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Ekron, are listed as cities that remained unconquered (ibid. 13: 2, 3). This area corresponds with the present-day Gaza strip and a significant part of the surrounding, south-western section of modern Israel. One can simply say that Bnei Yisrael could not immediately conquer the land because they lacked the merits that would have entitled quick success. However, several midrashim advance alternative explanations.
Mechilta D’R. Yishamel says that if Bnei Yisrael would have entered the Land immediately, their preoccupation with their fields would have lessened their focus on Torah study at that formative period. Therefore, they remained in the desert for 40 years, being sustained by the manna and the water of the well, while absorbing the Torah in their bodies. Shemot Rabba (20:15) offers a parable to a king who wanted to leave a lot of property to his son but was afraid that if he gave it when the son was too young, he would ruin it. So too, it was unwise to give Bnei Yisrael the Land before they became proficient in its mitzvot, such as tithes. These two explanations indicate that the delay was caused by the hope of a direct spiritual gain.
The midrash brings an additional opinion, which relates that the inhabitants of Eretz Yisrael, upon hearing of Bnei Yisrael’s imminent arrival, uprooted trees to prevent Bnei Yisrael’s benefit. After receiving the impression that they were settling in the desert, the inhabitants replanted the trees. Thus, because of the wait, Bnei Yisrael entered a cultivated land, rather than scorched earth. A final opinion posits that Eretz Yisrael had natural portions for only ten tribes. Therefore, Hashem waited until they captured the east bank of the Jordan, satisfying two tribes and leaving the main area for only ten tribes. According to the latter midrashim, the matter was for Bnei Yisrael’s physical well-being.
Great rabbis have said that "ki karov hu" refers to the fact that Hashem is close to us, not the path. Even during difficult national times, let us remember that events that seem to be to our detriment can really be for our benefit, as Hashem is close to us. The closer we are to each other, the more likely we are to benefit from His blessings.
The Wisdom of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Only Half the Way
The Wisdom of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (8) - Beshalach
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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.
