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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Korach
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
Korach and his close associates were joined by a group of 250 prominent people. Moshe challenged them to sacrifice incense in troughs of copper. As a result, the opposition of Moshe and Aharon were killed by a fire from Heaven. In the aftermath, Moshe was told to take the copper remains and turn them into a netting around the altar to serve as a reminder that those are not from the family of Aharon not step forward to bring incense in the sanctuary (Bamidbar 17: 1-5). While the idea was a Divine decree, there was a clear message that the story of Korach’s rebellion not be forgotten. Moshe took a bold step in using copper in another context. He accepted the mirrors that women had brought in order to use for the washing cup (kiyor) (Shemot 38:8). He felt this was appropriate despite the connection of the mirrors with arguable vanity and physical attractions, thereby showing his high regard for the women. The kiyor served as a constant reminder, along with the other copper reminder of the dangers of the rebellious dignitaries of Korach.
The broader and bolder than expected use of copper is notably present in the Beit Hamikdash built by Shlomo as well. The following structures in the courtyard of the Temple are found in the sources: 1) Two enormous copper pillars (around the size of a four-story building) named Yachin and Boaz were erected (Melachim I, 7:15-22). 2) There were ten copper washing cups instead of the one in the Mishkan. 3) Each of the cups had a large and elaborate copper basin. 4) A large pool made of copper known as the yam was erected, which also added some type of purification element. 5) Twelve replicas of cattle were displayed, three in each direction, in the courtyard, as a remembrance of the Israelite encampment in the desert.
What is fascinating about all of these copper utensils and structures is that they do not follow the instructions for the Mishkan as found in the Torah and are not mentioned in the list of utensils and materials that David left for his son based on Divine instruction (see Divrei Hayamim I, 28:12-19). From where did Shlomo get the idea and the gall to introduce these elements?
It is very possible that the precedent for these additions was in Moshe’s special use of copper in the courtyard of the Mishkan, which was an inspiration to not only use the copper as a historical remembrance but as model of future behavior.
Let us pray that we will have the merit to be involved in the complete rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash with all of its basic elements and all of its additions
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.
