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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Tetzave
The midrash (Vayikra Rabba 1:6) informs us that what is behind the scenes of this contrast is the populace of Bnei Yisrael and its heads of tribes, in contrast to Moshe Rabbeinu. Moshe was sad that he had not contributed to the project of the Mishkan ("there is gold") and Hashem reassured him that the wisdom Moshe spoke to the people ("lips of knowledge") were more precious (Vayikra Rabba, Vayikra 1:6). We saw from the root of da’at’s first appearance in Tanach that it refers to very close relationships. When it is done properly, these relationships epitomize the relationship with Hashem.
Moshe’s mouth and his ability to speak occupy a major place in the events at the burning bush, at which the main issue discussed was the liberation of Israel. This liberation can also be called the wedding between the Divine Presence and Am Yisrael, which took place at Sinai (betrothal) and the entrance to the Land (marriage). Moshe described himself as incapable of proper speech ("heavy mouth and tongue" – Shemot 4:10). Elsewhere he complained of ineffective lips (ibid. 6:12). Hashem answered that He is the one who provides a mouth for all people and that He would "be with" Moshe’s mouth (ibid. 4: 1-12). The implication that it is as if they share a mouth is startling, and such mutuality between the One G-d and the greatest man comes up elsewhere – after the sin of the Golden Calf, with them speaking "face to face" (ibid. 33:11), and generally their speaking "mouth to mouth" (Bamidbar 12:8).
Therefore, the concept of siftei da’at (the lips of knowledge) has a special significance. It is not surprising then that the most holy of all songs, Shir Hashirim, starts with the relationship between Hashem and His nation being described as "He shall kiss me with the kiss of His lips" (1:2).
The task of the Mishkan and later the Mikdash was to be a platform for the closeness between the two "beloveds," and it was the kohanim’s job to ensure this. This job was set in our memory with the end of the prophecy in the Nevi’im: "For the lips of a kohen will guard da’at" (Malachi 2:7).
However, this does not always work out. Hoshea dedicates a few p’sukim (4:6-8) to excoriate certain bad kohanim, the sons of Eili, who were responsible for the destruction of the Mishkan in Shilo, as they used it as a means to enrich themselves and accumulate gold, silver and precious stones, which they preferred over da’at. They encouraged sins, as that would bring people to give sacrifices (chatat) from which they took parts. This removed the Divine Presence from the Mishkan and prophecy from among the kohanim.
Next week we will continue with the lessons of the expression siftei da’at.
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.
