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Beit Midrash
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Shlomo depended heavily on the people of Tzor (Tyre) to make an edifice on the level he envisioned. The navi tells us that Hashem gave wisdom to Shlomo and he made a treaty with Chiram of Tzor (Melachim I, 5:26). As a result, Shlomo received help in the following areas:
1. Shlomo received natural commodities - the cedars of Lebanon (ibid.:20).
2. He hired workers from Tzor to cut down the trees in the most professional manner and to transport them by sea to Eretz Yisrael.
3. He enlisted artisans to work with the wood, stones, and precious metals (Divrei Hayamim II, 2:6).
Who was this Chiram, and where did his artistic style come from? The navi mentions Chiram twice. In Melachim I, 7: 13-14, he is described as: the son of a widow; from Naftali; his father was from Tzor; he was filled with knowledge and wisdom to do all sorts of work. Divrei Hayamim II, 2:13 describes him as: the son of a woman from Dan and a man from Tzor; one who knew how to deal with metals and fabrics. What does it mean that Chiram’s father was from Tzor?
Putting the two p’sukim together, it appears that Chiram’s mother was from the tribe of Dan and his father was from the Tribe of Naftali. If so, his father’s association with Tzor is only geographical, i.e., he had lived there. However, it is likely that this is not a technical point but a statement that Chiram’s teachers and mentors were of the Tzorian school of craftsmanship. The implications of this approach are major because Shlomo added elements to the complex of the Beit Hamikdash that Hashem had not commanded in the building of the Mishkan (including the washing basin’s base and the yam shel Shlomo. The special decorations on the doors and walls also do not appear to have been governed by specific halachot (see Melachim I, 6: 18, 29, 32).
What, then, do we make of the influence of Chiram’s teachers? One can look at the matter positively and say that Chiram "converted" the Tzorian approach to craftsmanship for the purpose of glorifying the Jewish Temple. This would be an effective way of fulfilling the mandate, "this is is my G-d, and I will adorn him." Some, including the Seforno, saw in the incorporatrion of foreign style into the Beit Hamikdash a serious flaw. He says that this is the reason behind the need to frequently repair the Temple and eventually was a factor in its destruction at the hands of our enemies.
Apparently this issue was never resolved definitively. Let us hope that the time to apply the lessons of this issue in the building of a new Beit Hamikdash will soon arise.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.
