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A mitzvah, divine commandment, is likened to a lamp, and the Torah is likened to its light. The commandment to light the Chanukah lamp is unique, and, in the words of the Rambam, "it is very dear." This is because it is a divine commandment that hints at the Torah - the light of the Torah. The Sages say: A lamp provides light temporarily, but the Torah illuminates forever. And the Chanukah lamp, according to the Sages, is a divine commandment that symbolizes wisdom and Torah.
Explaining the words, "When you kindle the lamps" (Numbers 8:2), the Sages say: Aaron was downcast because he did not offer any sacrifices in the dedication of the Altar. Then God consoled him, saying, "Your participation will be greater than theirs, for you will light and trim the lamps."
The Ramban explains: Aaron was promised that his kindling would be a matter that continued for generations, not a temporary practice, and this is the idea behind the expression "Torah is light." In the words of the Midrash, "Aaron's lamps are dearer to me than the stars in the sky," for these lamps are a manifestation of the light of the Torah. The manifestations wrought through the Torah are greater than the constellations, greater than the sun and the moon.
Psalms 19 says, "For the Leader, a Psalm of David: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork," and following this it says, "The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul." On the face of things, the latter verse seems out of place. The chapter deals with the glory of God revealed via the sky and its numerous legions. Why, then, do we have this verse about the flawlessness of the Torah in the middle of the chapter? The Meiri and Ibn Ezra explain that this verse is meant to teach us that although the sun, the moon, and the stars illuminate and unveil the presence of God, the Torah is above even them. The perfect Torah testifies to God's greatness more than any other aspect of creation.
The more we cling to the Torah and those who teach it, the more we merit seeing existence as it truly is, no imitations and no uncertainties. May God help us all to be among those who ascend the rungs of sanctity, Amen.
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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.