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The key may be in understanding the word nazir. In several places in Tanach (see Vayikra 22:2 for one of many), the root means to stay away from things. A nazir refrains from things others do not. Rashi (Bamdibar 6:2) takes this approach to the word’s etymology. However, the same root has another, different meaning. A nezer is a crown (see Vayikra 21:12). Rav Hirsch puts the stress on this meaning. This disagreement may be based on different views of nezirut. Is it designed to protect one from corruptive influences (Rashi), or is it an attempt to elevate him (Rav Hirsch)?
Chazal (Berachot 63a) seem to support Rashi’s thesis: "Why did the Torah place the section on nazir next to that of sota (a woman suspected of infidelity)? To tell you that whoever sees a sota in her disgrace should separate (yazir) himself from wine." However, Rav Hirsch has strong textual support. The Torah explains that a nazir cannot be in contact with the dead because Hashem’s nezer is on his head (Vayikra 6:7).
Probably both meanings and theses share truth. The Torah uses (ibid.: 5,8) the term of kadosh (holy), as Rav Hirsch stresses, as the nazir sanctifies himself. On the other hand, Rashi (19:2) says that kadosh refers to staying away from problematic things. In fact, a holy person or object (kohen, korban, etc.) must stay away from things that others do not. Conversely, one who voluntarily stays away from certain things becomes holy. Yet, a nezer is also a sign that someone does not "mix into the crowd."
Actually, the p’sukim hint that the question of whether a nazir is about making a positive change or avoiding the negative depends on the halachic restriction. "Kadosh" appears regarding two of the three restrictions, avoiding the deceased and not cutting hair, not regarding wine-related products. A corpse is not corruptive but kohanim’s holiness, for example, requires that they avoid it. Cutting one’s hair is not corruptive, but one might refrain from it because he wants to ignore physical concerns such as his appearance, as befits one who wants to be on a peculiar but potentially high level. On the other hand, wine has lowered many people’s levels. One may want to avoid it just to remain a good average person, not a kadosh; thus, the Torah omits kadosh in that context. Actually, Chazal’s statement about avoiding the pitfalls of promiscuity mentions refraining from wine alone - so as not to be negatively impacted.
Our lives of service to Hashem are replete with sur me’rah (avoiding negative) and aseh tov (doing positive). May we succeed in findng a proper balance in an effective, appropriate manner for our (hopefully) noble goals.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
