Moshe's Sin- A New & Innovative Look

We all grew up on Rashi's explanation that Moshe's sin was that he hit the rock rather than speaking to it to bring out water, but there are more than 13 various commentaries. This class summarizes them, and suggests the 14th commentary, raised by the Shadal, but answers the question for which he rejects it!

Parshat Pinchas & Chukat: A New & Innovative Look at Moshe's Sin (easy Hebrew)

12 different commentaries differ with Rashi regarding Moshe Rabbenu's sin, that it's not simply that he struck, rather than speak to the rock to bring out water. This class deals with why it's so unclear and what is the "secret" explanation of the Shadal which is the only commentary which answers all of the difficulties and questions here

Rav Kook: The Definition of 'Good' Is: 'Life'

Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 230

Rav Kook explains why the constructive punishment for murder was the destruction of Y'rushalayim & exile from Israel. G-d loves life and is the force behind all life, and in fact, defines "Good" as "Life". The goal of the Torah is Tahara or Life, and accordingly murder, or the taking of life is not only tragic morally but ideologically and philosophically, stands, like Tum'ah, in total contradiction to the message of life, which supersedes the other mitzvot. Israel is meant to be a life-educating "Light to the Nations" from Y'rushalayim, through building an ideal Jewish State, but if we aren't fulfilling that goal, then our capitol and national life are counter-productive.