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Beit Midrash
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In the nine p’sukim (Bamidbar 9: 15-23) the word he’anan (the cloud) appears eleven times and the root of mishkan, either referring to the Tabernacle or to the way the cloud dwelled over it, appears eight times. The Torah tells us that the cloud first covered the Mishkan on the day the latter was erected. It goes on to say that at night it "had the appearance of fire." The Torah continues: "So will it always be: the cloud will cover it, and the appearance of fire at night." The Netziv infers from these words that unlike in the first days after the Exodus, when there was a cloud during the day and fire at night, here there was always a cloud, just that it had the appearance of fire at night. Another inference to be made is that the cloud is always referred to as "the cloud" and never "a cloud." The Midrash Yelamdenu says that this is the same cloud that appeared so majestically before at Har Sinai and continued to be a conduit for the dwelling of the Divine Presence upon and among Bnei Yisrael.
It is worthwhile to contemplate what the philosophical significance of a cloud that looks like a fire at night is. In many places in Jewish thought, the day is taken to refer to times when things are looking positive, and the night symbolizes times of trouble. A cloud represents a covering or protection from the heat of the sun. It also covers that which is stored within, usually the moisture which might or might not yield rain. In this case, Hashem’s Presence can be strongly sensed from close proximity but nevertheless cannot be seen outright. Indeed, in good times, one can sense Hashem’s protection and His involvement, but still He is behind the scenes.
Fire symbolizes energy, which can be very useful when harnessed, but can consume things, seemingly indiscriminately, when it is out of control. It can be seen from a great distance, especially in the dark night and can light and lead the way for those who need guidance. During hard times, Hashem’s Presence, while being able to be seen and give light in some ways, is also related to the pain of the oppression and shows rejection of the people.
Perhaps the message of the cloud/fire is as follows. At Sinai, the cloud and the fire were two different things interacting in proximity. However when it comes to "so will it always be" (i.e. - the long haul of history) it is different. That which looks during hard times as a fire is just human eyes’ different perspective of the same protective cloud. Although it might be hard to see that to be the case, the Torah encourages us to recognize that situation.
May the fire that has accompanied us during the night be clearly visible as a protective cloud as the day continues to dawn.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
