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- Parashat Hashavua
The early commentators suggested different explanations for this phrase. Ibn Ezra relates the phrase to the descendants of those killed 40 years earlier, who did not restore past Egyptian glory. The Ramban expands this, saying that the name of those who had the gall to chase after those redeemed by Hashem was permanently destroyed. The Ramban, though, does not see the scriptural basis for these ideas. He suggests that the lasting destruction refers to the previously legendary Egyptian fleet of horses and chariots, which never recovered. This is a sign of the lowliness of Egyptian society after 40 years of potential recovery time.
The Meshech Chochma paves a different "path through the sea." He says that Moshe was combating those who said that the splitting of the sea was an event that was reconcilable with nature by means of ebbs and flows. Moshe sent Bnei Yisrael to check if in the course of the subsequent 40 years, the phenomenon had occurred and reported that the event was unique "until this day." This proved that the event was a Divine miracle.
This point reminds us of a major philosophical debate. How should one relate to an apparently unexplainable miracle? One approach is that a miracle is a Divine divergence from the laws of nature and that it is inappropriate to look for a natural explanation. Another understanding is that the unusual events were prepared from the time of creation to occur as a built-in exception. A third approach is that there are physical explanations for miracles based on natural forces. For example, a volcanic eruption could have caused a thick veil of ashes that could have blackened Egypt. For it to have come at the time Moshe said it would made it a miracle. According to the final approach, we would not care if tides and winds could split the sea. Each approach will read our p’sukim differently.
Let us remember that we believe in the Creator’s Divine Providence in all of the miracles that have occurred to our nation in our times - according to whatever approach above one takes. We recall the rule that "whoever does not believe in miracles in the Middle East is not a realist."
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
