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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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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
