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Beit Midrash
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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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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts