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Ezra Ben Zafrir
The Yerushalmi (Shekalim 6:1) brings two opinions on the matter. R. Yuda says that there were two arks. One contained a sefer Torah and was kept within the sanctuary of the Mishkan. The other one contained the broken, first tablets and went out with the army to battle. Rabbanan say that there was only one aron, and it was kept in the Mishkan. One time, it was taken out by the sons of Eili to battle, and it fell into captivity. The Bavli does not comment on this issue.
Ibn Ezra tries to bring a proof on this matter from a pasuk in our parasha. It says "... I placed the tablets in the ark that I made, and they were there, as Hashem commanded me" (Devarim 10:5). He understands that this is a reference to the same aron about which it was commanded elsewhere. Yet Ibn Ezra concludes that the tradition (apparently referring to the first opinion in the Yerushalmi) that there were two arks wins.
Actually the simple understanding of many p’sukim is that an aron did travel with the army. Let us examine the use of the aron in the one example where all agree that it was taken to war (see Shmuel I, 4). Bnei Yisrael were fighting the Plishtim, and the latter had the upper hand in the preliminary battle. Instead of taking the opportunity to improve their fortune by repenting, the elders decided to bring the aron with them. This was actually an idolatrous type approach. Instead of finding favor in Hashem’s eyes by following his commandments, they tried to "force Hashem" into battle on their behalf by bringing a tangible object that was supposed to represent His Presence. While the Plishtim were initially afraid to take on the G-d who had smitten the Egyptians, they called on each other to raise their spirits and were successful not only against the Israelites but were able to seize the aron.
It may very well be that the reason the discussion of the aron’s role is mentioned in our parasha is related to our parasha’s discussion of the dangers of an idolatrous approach. We see that this concept even applies to those who misuse the authentic symbols of our religion.
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)
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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.
