- Torah and Jewish Thought
- General Questions
Vilna gaon
Question
what and why was the confict if vilna gaon and magid of mezhirizh?
Answer
Almost all new movements come to stress a true ideal that was previously being neglected. On the other hand, most new movements take their positive innovation to an extreme, often at the expense of another important aspect. Rav Kook wrote that the Vilna Gaon, in his time, had to oppose the hassidic movement in order to “balance” out the negative aspect which arose there, the belittling of the centrality of Torah study and non-observance of a few mitzvot, e.g. saying Kriyat Shma late; eating before prayer. There was even worry that the early hassidim were like Sabbateans (hidden followers of Shabtai Zvi). The Gaon refused to hear out the hassidim, but he heard of the "hearing" of hassidim in Shklov which ended with their being accused of heresy. On the other hand, Rav Kook adds that it was inevitably just a matter of time until the positive Hassidic stress on happiness and kabbala complimented (!) Torah study. Today, the Hassidim learn a lot of Torah and the Yeshiva world has adopted most of the Hassidic ideology, as well (it’s even hard to differentiate between them except some small external garb!). In short, we must always take the positive aspect stressed in each Jewish ideology, and leave the negative (“speaking against” some other aspect) aside. Harmony is based upon the beautiful balance between the different tones. Similarly, history is comprised of: thesis, anti-thesis, synthesis.
With Love of Israel
Pilegesh Bagivah
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Elul 27, 5769
When did Saul meet David?
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Av 22, 5782

Torah Study and Prayer By Bnai Noah/gentiles
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 7, 5774

Learning Chumash/Rashi at Night II
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 11 Cheshvan 5763

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771

Writing a Torah Scroll in English
Adar II 25, 5771

Kri u'ktiv
Adar II 25, 5771

Birkat Hamazon - extra verses
Adar II 25, 5771

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Naming a baby girl Romi
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 18, 5774

Shaitels for non-married women
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 29, 5779

On which day may one start wishing "Shabbat Shalom"?
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 9, 5780
Praying with people placing Tefillin on forehead?
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783
