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Beit Midrash
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We would, though, like to present a third approach, taught by the Vilna Gaon and disseminated by his disciples. The Gaon posited that the order in which the occurrences are presented is the proper way to understand the matter. Chronological order is irrelevant because time is a function of the physical world and is irrelevant in the spiritual world. The idea that the spiritual world is beyond time is behind the written spelling of Hashem’s Name, which includes hints to past, present and future.
One of the Gaon’s principal disciples, Rav Chaim of Volozhin (Nefesh Hachayim (I:6)), developed the connection between sin and sanctuary, which exists from the beginning of humanity. When Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, they enjoyed a perfect existence, in which there was a clear separation between good and evil (but with free will). After the sin, mankind fell into a spiritual intermingling, in which the path to tikkun (repair) is much more complicated. More than 2,000 years later, an entire community – the Nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai, at the revelation and receipt of the Torah – succeeded in returning to the status of "original Adam" (including the male and female) before the sin. However, the Golden Calf threw the nation back into the post-sin state the world had lived through. Thus, the presentation of Mishkan, sin, Mishkan, aptly represents the spiritual roller coaster. This also explains why the details were retold as well as many of the differences in the presentations.
The same approach can help us appreciate the matter of the Tablets and the Ten Commandments. The Torah presents two versions of the Ten Commandments, one before the Golden Calf (in Yitro) and one (in Vaetchanan) that was given after the sin. The break of the sin explains both the existence of two versions and some of the differences, which reflect the lower spiritual level. The differences between the Tablets, the material they were written on, who wrote them and how, and possibly how the writing appeared, can also be explained along these lines.
What is the point of the higher spiritual level if it was destined to be so fleeting? The process turns the story of Hashem’s revelation in the world into a recommendation of living life with a desire for spiritual improvement. The ideal state sets a direction toward which we shall travel. All of a Jew’s life is spent with a desire to "repair the world toward the Kingdom of Hashem," to be accomplished on the personal and national level. This is in stark contrast with a life focused on physical desires. The Vilna Gaon’s approach gives spiritual significance to material life, which we hope to repair.
This principle also helps us deal with crises, which usually come with a desire to repair what is awry, a desire that is a foundation of a healthy life.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
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.
