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Beit Midrash
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We find in the beginning of our parasha (Shemot 6:6-7) "four languages of liberation." They are not synonyms, as each relates to a different element and has its owns importance. Hashem did not suffice with ceasing the abuses of the Egyptians as slave drivers, but promised to totally relieve them of work on behalf of the Egyptians. That was not enough, and therefore he promised them geula and becoming His nation.
Actually, not all of Bnei Yisrael clearly saw all of the Exodus as being crucial. Realize that the whole matter of enslavement became necessary because "the land was filled with them" (ibid. 1:7). This pasuk hints at the fact that Jews could be found everywhere in Egypt, including the theaters and all the public places of the land (Tanchuma, Shemot 6:6). They felt quite at home in what was supposed to be a foreign land. Although Yaakov worked hard to inculcate in the minds of his family that they were just guests there and Yosef worked to have them settle in an isolated location, Bnei Yisrael breached the boundaries.
They actually wanted to be like the Egyptians. The exile found favor in the eyes of quite a few, and they tried to be involved in Egyptian national life. Even after the painful period of enslavement, many would have been satisfied to be removed from the slavery but stay in Egypt. They would have passed on the plan to have independent national life. They would have stayed in Paroh’s land, even when the time of liberation came, if not for the strong hand expelling them from it.
Therefore, it was necessary to have an event to at least weaken Bnei Yisrael’s close connection to exile. It had to shake their confidence in what was actually a temporary period of quiet. They had to see what other nations were capable of doing to them.
It is also possible that all of this was necessary to actualize the giving of the Torah. Even after being removed from Egypt, Bnei Yisrael could have copied the characteristics of Egyptian society and implemented them for themselves. Therefore, it was necessary to show the people the true face of Egypt. If at one point, earlier in the family’s stay in Egypt, it was possible to excuse Paroh and explain that he just did not want these immigrants in his land, it became clear that this was not true, as he did not allow them to leave. The people learned what Egypt was really about, and that it was not smart to stay or to adopt Egyptian culture but rather to go to Sinai and accept the Torah.
Peninei Halakha 11. Shaving One’s Beard During the Three Weeks
Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
