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In general, the navi is talking about a redemption that would be carried out by Tzemach (as mentioned early in the prophecy- 3:8) and Zerubavel (4:6). We will take a look at some of the motifs in these p’sukim to see contrasts between this redemption, symbolized by the lights and that which the Hasmonaeans carried out. The classical commentators, including Rashi, identify Tzemach (which means flourishing) as another name for Zerubavel, who was a descendant of the Davidic dynasty. Let us recall that many Jewish thinkers, along with the praises for the initial actions of the Hasmonaeans, criticized them for usurping permanent leadership, which should have been in the hands of David’s descendants.
The stress in Zecharia’s prophecy is on flourishing specifically in the spiritual realm. The most poignant statement of this concept is the pasuk "not with an army and not with strength, but with My spirit, said Hashem, Lord of Hosts." There are also metaphorical allusions in this direction. The menorah and the olives that provide the fuel for the menorah and which are found on its two sides all hint to the concept of wisdom and spirituality in Jewish lore. In contrast, at the time of the Hasmonaeans, prophecy did not return and we do not have historical indications of spiritual improvement.
Zecharia’s prophecy foresees a liberation that ushers in an era of peace and tranquility, in which people live "under their grape vines and fig trees." This is reminiscent of Shlomo’s rule, not David’s, which included much "army and strength." The Hasmonaean period experienced almost uninterrupted fighting, not only against the Greeks but also within national factions and within the ruling family.
As these significant differences indicate that the story of Chanuka is not what the prophet was referring to, why did the Rabbis choose it as Chanuka’s haftara? Certainly, the political change that the Hasmonaean victory ushered in deserves marking. As the Rambam stresses, "the Hasmonaean kohanim... saved Israel, appointed a king from the kohanim, and kingdom returned to Israel for more than 200 years" (Megilla V’Chanuka 3:1). However, it is important to remember that the desire for redemption does not end there, but there must be a yearning for a rule of "justice and charity" as existed under David, founder of the ultimate dynasty (Shmuel II 8:15). The Temple, from which prophecy flows, must be rebuilt, and the whole nation must cling to spirituality as all live in peace in the Land.
In our days too, in our much awaited State, which adopted the menorah with the olive branches on two sides as its symbol, it is important to remember toward what we are striving.
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts