YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
My Lord, withhold my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking mirma (deceit)...
Ein Ayah: The tongue relates to the inner content of language, and the lips refer to the external element of language. [Thus the prayer discusses both elements of speech.] Because the true evil is the evil of false philosophies, the prayer requests that Hashem should protect so that the internal content of his speech should not turn toward the evil of damaging views. It asks also that the external element of speech should not express things that differ from one’s internal intention, which could cause damage to those who are easily deceived. That is what deceit is: saying things that are against what is in one’s heart.
The Task of an Individual in his Life
(based on Berachot 2:46)
Gemara:
My Lord, until I was created I was not worthwhile, and now that I was created, it is as if I was not created.
Ein Ayah: During the infinite time from the beginning of time until I was created, there was nothing in the world for which I was needed, for if there were something in the world for which I was needed, I would have been created at that point. Eventually, the time arose for me to do something to complete an element of the world. If I would have focused my actions for the purpose for which I was created, I would now be worthwhile. However, since my actions are not going toward that good goal, but rather to do that which my heart desires, I have not reached my goal. Thus, I still, as previously, am not worthwhile.
The Importance of Yisurin
(based on Berachot 2:50)
Gemara:
When Rabbi Yochanan would complete the Book of Iyov, he would say: "A person is destined to die, and an animal is destined to be slaughtered, and all are destined to die. Fortunate is one who grew in Torah ...."
Ein Ayah: Rabbi Yochanan gave the following solution to the existence of yisurin (torment) in the world. The endpoint of life is death. A person finds his real purpose after the end of his life on earth. If yisurin did not slightly weaken a person’s connection to the material world so that his spirit could separate from it and find a restful respite, then the spirit’s strong connection to the love of the physical world would detract from his spiritual completeness. The spirit would maintain, based on habit, longings for the body and its activities. Therefore, Hashem, in His wisdom, arranged matters so that the spirit would not find full satisfaction in this world. The reason is as Rabbi Yochanan said: "A person is destined to die and an animal, which does not have a spirit with deep feelings, is destined for slaughter. In other words, the animal can die suddenly without being introduced to it with a gradual weakening. It does not need to have its desire for life removed slowly. Since all are destined to die, it was appropriate to give the example of slaughter for the animal, which is a classic case of a sudden death. Even if an animal dies naturally, it does not experience a person's type of trials and tribulations. A person in his old age will find a certain level of comfort for the spirit in his death, which allows him to rest in peace. The fortunate part of passing away is allowing the soul to grasp the true ideas that it was incapable of grasping while still engaged in material pursuit. Therefore, one who grew in the Torah is particularly fortunate.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
