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Beit Midrash
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- Vayikra
- Shmini
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Where did these tragic events take place, and what does this teach us about the underlying elements of the episode that transpired? Rav Acha and Rav Z’eira (Vayikra Rabba 20:5), who compared the matter to Titus’ entry into the Holy of Holies, apparently understood that Nadav and Avihu were killed there. Another indication is that the commandment in Acharei Mot about not entering the Holy of Holies was introduced with the words "after Aharon’s two sons died, as they approached before Hashem and they died" (ibid. 16:1).
On the other hand, it is logical that Nadav and Avihu were in the kodesh (the Holy) at the time. After all, they were offering incense, and the gold altar upon which this was done was in the kodesh. Rav Yishmael felt that this view was implied by the description "before Hashem." Tosafot (Eruvin 63a) and the Ibn Ezra posit that the tragedy transpired in the azara (courtyard) of the Mishkan, where the altar for animals stood. This connects the fire that killed them to the fire that had previously come from the Heavens to consume the offerings on that altar (Vayikra 9:24).
The Meshech Chochma develops this idea in a brilliant manner that explains the next section as well. The following p’sukim tell of Moshe’s complaints against Aharon’s remaining sons for not eating a certain korban that day. The pasuk tells us that the se’ir hachatat sacrifice was burned. Moshe said that there was no reason to have done that because the blood had not been brought into the kodesh. Much has been written to try to uncover the exact disagreement between Moshe and Elazar and Itamar, "Aharon’s remaining sons." The simple meaning of the words implies that they thought that the korban was an inner korban and was thus burned, whereas Moshe thought that it was an external korban. However, it should have been a clear fact which type of korban it was, so what was the argument? Also, what is the connection between this question and the story of Nadav and Avihu, which would justify their being called "the remaining sons," implying that they were barely spared from their brothers’ fate?
The Meshech Chochma explains that Nadav and Avihu believed that at this time of spiritual elevation, everything was "upped a notch" spiritually. The outer altar should be treated like the inner one and could be used for incense. Similarly, Elazar and Itamar felt that the korban that was brought on the outer altar should be treated like those brought on the inner. As the two mistakes were similar to each other, it was only because of Aharon’s merit that the remaining sons were spared despite their mistake (see Yoma 87a).
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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.
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.
