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Beit Midrash
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- Articles about Hanukkah
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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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.
