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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Chayei Sara
The number that opens our parasha is, again, 127. A similarly phrased pasuk at the end of the parasha gives the years of Yishmael’s life as 137. This number appears twice in Parashat Vaeira as the years of the lives of Moshe’s forebears, Levi and Amram, which is a strong indication that the number is significant. Explaining the connection will help us answer our question.
The Jewish doctor, poet, and philosopher, R. Yedaya Hapenini Habadrashi made an enigmatic statement: "The point of knowledge is that we should not know." While many quoted and agreed with him, we must ask how lack of knowledge can be the point of knowledge?
Let us compare the goals of Torah study and of study of science. A scientist wants to understand as much as possible, especially the principles, and come up with a formula that gives the correct answer for each test case. If the results of the test cases do not work out with the principles, he knows that some knowledge is missing, and he must continue his work. It would seem there is no way to bridge the gap between these fields – Torah values lack of knowledge, whereas science values only knowledge.
Around 100 years ago, science began identifying areas in which it is impossible to apply standard physical equations. For one, it is now accepted that we can never know an electron’s location or momentum. Second, we will probably not succeed in incorporating into one system of formulas the four forces that operate in nature: gravitational force, electrical-electromagnetic force, weak atomic force, and strong atomic force. A third example: apparently, we will not succeed in knowing and defining the universe in all its parts and their locations, in relation to a specific point.
There is also a group of scientists who have accepted R. Yedaya’s thesis that a transcendental being exists outside the physical world, which controls the happenings in the world. While they do not believe in Hashem, it is a historical step forward. One cause is the realization that human conception is limited. Another is the discovery of constants without which the world could not exist as it does.
One important constant is the number 1/137 (called, the fine structure constant), which relates to the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between elementary charged particles. The importance of this constant was studied by two Jews, Arnold Sommerfeld and Wolfgang Pauli, the latter of which started learning Kabbala when he learned that its gematria is 137.
I would suggest that these developments are part of the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecies that the whole world will eventually accept Hashem’s dominion.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
