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According to one opinion (Avoda Zara 64b) a ger toshav is someone who accepts all the mitzvot of the Torah except for eating neveilot. Our mentor, Rav Shaul Yisraeli z.t.l. (in Chavot Binyamin 67), asked: Why would someone who is willing to accept almost everything not go a step further and become a ger tzedek (a full convert)? Let us introduce two issues before trying to answer the question. Chazal tell us that a convert has a status of a newborn child, a categorization that applies to lineage in regard to the laws of incest. This concept, whose source is far from clear, applies to converts over the generations but did not apply to Bnei Yisrael at Sinai, even though they underwent a conversion process at the time.
The process of conversion has three parts: accepting the mitzvot, circumcision (for men), and tevilla (immersion). According to Tosafot, only the former requires a beit din. Rav Yisraeli explains the process of acceptance before beit din and many other things as follows. In order to convert, one must be accepted into Bnei Yisrael by representatives of the nation (i.e., a beit din). Beit din is authorized to do so only if the candidate is willing to accept the mitzvot; once he is told about some of the mitzvot and accepts all mitzvot, his obligation in them is not the result of his acceptance of the mitzvot but of his acceptance into k’lal Yisrael. This is the idea behind the most famous convert’s statement: "Your nation is my nation, and your G-d is my G-d" (Ruth 1:16).
The conversion process begins with an act of national acceptance. A non-Jew’s independent acceptance of mitzvot is meaningless; conversion without national acceptance is not conversion. As one changes national affiliation, he assumes a new identity regarding lineage while keeping his identity regarding personal matters. When Bnei Yisrael converted at Sinai, they did so as a nation together and thus the concept of new lineage did not apply. One who embraces the precepts of the Torah but is unwilling to change national identity can be a ger toshav, not a ger tzedek.
Ramifications of this thesis include that while conversion can occur only for one who accepts mitzvot, his or her failure to keep them afterward does not undo the conversion. Also, one’s interest in being part of the nation is an important consideration for beit din in determining who is fit to be a ger.
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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.
