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The navi connects in a special way between Adoniyah and Avshalom, each of whom tried to obtain the kingdom during their father, David’s, life, the latter through an outright revolt. Both are described as taking chariots for themselves with 50 men running in front of them (Melachim I, 1: 5-6; Shmuel II, 15:1). Also, in introducing Adoniyah, it says that "she (Adoniyah’s mother) gave birth to him after Avshalom." This is strange as different women gave birth to them. One has to explain that Chagit (Adoniyah’s mother) gave birth to him after Maachah gave birth to Avshalom. However, the scripture’s intention in using such terminology must be to draw attention to similarities between the two. In fact, the midrash (Tehillim 2:9) notes the comparisons and says that just as Avshalom was a man of dispute and rebelled against his father, so too did Adoniyah.
Rav Tzadok of Lublin says that Adoniyah was the "complete" candidate for the kingship and that, in fact, this was his shortcoming. That is what the navi meant when it said that "his father had never saddened him by saying, ‘Why did you do such?’" Certainly had there been what to correct, David would have done so, but rather David had never seen anything that he felt needed correcting.
Avshalom has turned into the paradigm of the rebellious son, and for good reason (see Psikta Zutrata to Ki Teiztei). How is it then that the majority of the nation accepted his attempt to overthrow David, who was the most exalted king in our history? The answer is to be found in an earlier description of Avshalom as a man more handsome than any in the land, without a blemish from his foot to his head. A similar description is found regarding Adinayah, which leads us to reason that Adinayah’s not needing rebuke and Avshalom’s lack of blemishes are also parallel. Avshalom’s good looks were an expression of a general perfection that typified him. Even the description of the fullness of Avshalom’s hair was seen by one opinion in Chazal as due to his being a lifetime nazir.
The two "perfect" sons of David both suffered from the same problem: the conceit stemming from their vast potential and the feeling that they must have been chosen by Hashem. Those who could have been model leaders became model rebels. In these times of running after "ratings," we should pray that our leaders will know how to direct their potential toward noble goals so that their positive attributes don’t turn out to be their shortcomings.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
