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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
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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.