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Even if we view the rainbow as a change of nature in the aftermath of the flood, it would certainly seem to now be a part of the physical world that can be easily explained by even a novice scientist. Yet, the gemara (Chagiga 16a) attributes special powers to it that are surprising. The gemara says that a rainbow is one of three things that cause weakened eyes to those who gaze at them. The Biblical support for this claim (see Maharsha, ad loc.) implies that the reason is that some form of the Divine Presence is found in the rainbow. If the rainbow is something that Hashem puts in the physical world in order to remind Him when looking at the world, why would it contain the Divine Presence?
We can better deal with our questions by looking at the other things that affect the eyes: the nasi (king or major Jewish leader) and the kohanim as they blessed the people in the Beit Hamikdash. Regarding the rainbow, the pasuk says that the Presence that Yechezkel saw resembled a rainbow in a cloud. About the nasi, the Torah says that [Moshe] bestowed from his grandeur of Divine origin. Comparison now teaches the following. All three things are matters in the physical world that Hashem uses as a conduit for His assistance to mankind, creating an interface between worlds, where Hashem bestows of Himself to elevate something physical to a unique level.
The Iyun Yaakov points out that it is permitted to look at a nasi and a rainbow, at which time we even make a beracha. The problem is gazing, when one looks in such a manner that makes him feel that he can "see" the Divine element that is incorporated in the physical object. There indeed may be Divine reminders. The rainbow, for example, is the result of "united" light beams that are refracted into a spectrum of light when passing through water, a basic element of our world. Indeed, the Divine Presence is unified but appears to us as being multifaceted. That is because the world man interacts in makes Hashem appear different in different scenarios. It is improper to look at the manifestation of Hashem in this imperfect world lest we come to think that we can master His Essence by what we can see of Him. Rather, we should be inspired by noticing that He does interface with this world and understand that His Essence is beyond us.
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
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
