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The Rabbis instituted that the haftara that would be read on this Shabbat is the section that describes the preparations for the building of the Beit Hamikdash, as carried out under the reign of Shlomo Hamelech. While there is a strong, straightforward parallelism between the themes of the Torah reading and of the haftara, there is also the following notable contrast. Regarding Shlomo’s efforts, the term mas (tax) is mentioned three times (Melachim I, 5: 27-30). The navi also uses the word sabal in referring to the process of carrying loads and the term rodim for the overseers of the work who enforced the discipline. Mas certainly implies an element of being forced. This is particularly poignant when used in reference to the labor needs, which required tens of thousands of men to be away from their homes and jobs for periods of up to four months a year. The other two terms are throwbacks to the descriptions of the enslavement of our forefathers in Egyptian bondage. See the term sivlotam in Shemot 1:11, in close proximity to perech. When the Torah warns us not to enslave our brethren in an unacceptable manner, it refers to the root of radoh alongside perech as the phenomenon to avoid (Vayikra 25: 43-53).
The severity of Shlomo’s harsh measures to "get the job done," while disappearing from the text of the navi throughout the time of his rule, surfaces prominently as his son, Rechavam, succeeded him. The people appealed to the new king to lighten their load, saying: "Your father made the yoke upon us heavy. Now, you lighten from your father’s hard work upon us and from his heavy yoke that he placed upon us, and we shall serve you" (ibid. 12:4). Rechavam’s older advisors recommended that he accept the people’s offer, thereby attaining their support. In contrast, the younger advisors told the new king that he had to teach the people who was boss. He should tell them: "My father tormented you with whips; I will torment you with scorpions (ibid.:11). Rechavam’s acceptance of the latter’s advice paved the way for the split of the nation into two kingdoms, in the first stage, and, ultimately, to the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash. As the navi described it: "Israel rebelled against the House of David until this day" (ibid. :19). Indeed the tear has yet to be mended.
Let us hope that we will learn the lesson that a Temple and spirituality, in general, must be built in an atmosphere of good will and voluntarism. A regime cannot embark on national projects and accommodate the needs of the people through the use of whips and scorpions.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
