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Beit Midrash
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The answer is in the great message of the flip-side of the giving requirement, the mandate that no one should surpass the set amount (ibid.:15), and the desired result of lechaper al nafshoteichem (to obtain atonement for your souls) (ibid.). Rashi (ad loc.) explains that the atonement refers to the korb’not tzibbur (the sacrifices of the public), which were bought from these monies.
The Imrei Baruch (pg. 203), basing himself on the B’er Moshe and others, explains that a major component of kapara (atonement), including that of Yom Kippur, is the existence of unity. There are korbanot that can be brought by a single individual but not by partners. Yet, these same korbanot can be brought on behalf of the community. While it is possible to say that this is a second track, there is a more profound explanation. That is that when a korban is brought by and for the entire nation, the mass of individuals merge into a single unit, the community.
In this context, the half shekel has special significance. In order to have a full sense of community, everyone must take part. There is no one who is exempt from the concept of giving. The halacha is that even one who has no choice but to be supported from tzedakah must donate at least a third of a shekel yearly. Otherwise, he does not fulfill his mitzva of tzedakah (Rambam, Matnot Aniyim 7:5). One could have thought that such a person would not be obligated in tzedakah, as, in effect, extenuating circumstances prevent him from doing so. After all, if he can spare the money he is giving, he shouldn’t have taken it in the first place.
While one can give technical answers, the correct one is apparently the following. Just as the poor person cannot be deprived of performing various ritual mitzvot (see Pesachim 99b), so too he cannot be deprived from taking part in the mitzva to donate. The ability to give connects one to the community in the most basic way.
At the other end of the spectrum, when one gives large donations, he receives a special part in the merits of the project(s) to which he gives. Not only does need necessitate taking significant donations from those who can afford it, but it is the right and privilege of the wealthy to do so, as the blessing of wealth was bestowed upon these people from Above. However, in the most basic matters of community, such as the korb’not tzibbur, everyone must be equals, or the full element of community will be missing, with all of its crucial values.
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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.
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.