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Hashem told Bnei Yisrael to take up a collection, make a sanctuary (mikdash), and form the utensils of the tabernacle (mishkan) (Shemot 25: 1-8). A few basic questions need to be asked: 1) How many mitzvot are included in these p’sukim? 2) Are these p’sukim talking about a mitzva for all generations and, if so, what is the need for the p’sukim in Devarim that talk about the Beit Hamikdash? 3) Is there a difference between a mishkan and a mikdash, both of which are mentioned within the p’sukim?
The Ibn Ezra says that our p’sukim are talking about only the Mishkan and not the Beit Hamikdash, the permanent edifice that would be built later in history. The reason that the Torah uses the term midkash here is because the Mishkan is a place for the Holiness of Hashem to dwell.
In contrast, the Rambam cites our p’sukim as the source for the ongoing mitzva "to build a house of worship where sacrifices will be brought and a constant fire will burn and to which people will go on pilgrimage and congregate every year" (Sefer Hamitzvot, Aseh 20). The Ramban derives two mitzvot from the p’sukim, both in regard to the Mishkan: to erect the structure and to build the utensils. According to the Ramban and Ibn Ezra, it is clear that the commandment in Devarim is needed for the Beit Hamikdash. According to the Rambam, though, that the Beit Hamikdash is included in the discussion here, why is there separate discussion elsewhere?
Rav Yisraeli explains that the idea behind the new commandment is the need for a special place where the mikdash will be located and that, as a result, other places will be disqualified. That is why the Rambam calls it the Beit Habechira (the house of choice), along the lines of the pasuk "the place that Hashem will choose". Tosafot understands that the Beit Hamikdash’s difference is that it must be a permanent structure, not a tent.
While thinking about these concepts, we fulfill the mitzva of "inquiring about the Divine Presence." It is also important to realize that past generations wasted historical opportunities due to a lack of preliminary preparation of studying the issues. The fact that we are missing the Beit Hamikdash should bother every Jew. Without such a palpable feeling it is difficult to struggle to obtain and maintain the holy sites. Let us hope that we will succeed in internalizing and actualizing the dream.
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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.
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.