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If a master hits his slave so that he loses a tooth or an eye, the slave goes free (Shemot 21: 26-27). This sanction against an owner is extended further, as our Rabbis taught. Not only does the slave go free for those two body parts but actually for the loss of any of 24 limbs (Rashi, based on Kiddushin 24-25). The common denominator of these limbs is that they are not renewable and are visible (ibid.). On the other hand, if the slave was injured by the owner’s animal, the normal compensation the owner is obligated to a victim does not exist (Bava Kama 49). The Chizkuni explains the latter halacha as being a result of the rule that whatever money a slave acquires goes to his master. What is the
logic though of the distinctions of the first halacha?
The Ibn Ezra says that the idea is that a master should know not to be cruel to the extent that he hits his slave hard enough to cause serious damage. This applies only to the master’s actions, not to those of his animal.
Let us explain these halachot a little differently. It is common for a person to mark his property to make it more difficult to steal. This certainly is useful in regard to a slave, who might consider running away. The marking of a slave with a sign of his owner was also a way of permanently identifying him as a member of that class. In order to prevent the removal of the sign, one of the systems that was used was the amputation of a part of the body so that it would be permanently evident that the person in question is really a slave. This was a cruel act not only because of the pain involved but also because of mutilation’s affront to human dignity. The Torah not only forbade it but instituted an appropriate outcome. If one removes a body part in order to ensure that the slave would remain his, he specifically loses the slave in the process. This has little to do with payment for damages, which is prevalent regarding normal social interactions. Rather it is a specific consequence of harming a human being’s dignity.
How is this forbidden form of mutilation different from the performance, l’havdil, of a brit milah? This too is placing a sign on the body that one is a slave, but in this case, a slave to Hashem. This does not turn him into a blemished person but into a more complete person. It is put in a covered area of the body in a manner that demonstrates that the person is free, as one who accepts upon himself the fear of Hashem is truly liberated. It symbolizes how one must strive to be free of the bonds of physical urges that control many a person.
Let us hope that just as so many Jew’s fulfill the mitzva of circumcision so will they internalize the spiritual message that it teaches.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
