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Beit Midrash
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[The gemara discusses the question whether it is conceivable that one who was always a tzaddik could turn into a heretic.] Abayei said: we have learned that one who is good does not become bad. Is it true that he cannot? Doesn’t the pasuk say: "When the tzaddik goes back from his ways and does iniquity"? That is talking about one who was a rasha originally. [Rava said that even one who had always been a tzaddik could become a rasha.]
Ein Ayah: It seems correct that regarding beliefs, once a rooted belief is absorbed clearly in the mind of a tzaddik, there is no way that he will abandon his clear truth. The gemara asks from a pasuk that indicates that the tzaddik could sin and apparently is most interested in the end of the pasuk which is referring to philosophical beliefs as well.
The basis of the disagreement between Abayei and Rava whether a tzaddik could turn into a heretic depends on the following question. Is the shleimut (completeness) that is critical for a person completed by digesting clear proofs to philosophical questions, in which case one who has reached shleimut in wisdom has certainly digested clear proofs? Or, does shleimut rest upon a straight heart, which is enough for one who possesses this trait to live happily with his beliefs?
According to Abayei, one needs proofs to live as a complete Jew, in which case a good person who has reached this level will not give all of that up. It suffices that at the time he accepted the proofs he was not ruined by a bad nature and bad actions. Someone who was once compromised by a bad nature will always be susceptible to deterioration. According to Rava, a straight heart is sufficient, in which case one could stray from his good nature, in which case love of true ideas may leave him. Thus, he always needs help from Above.
Elements of a Proper Tefilla
(condensed from Berachot 4:46-47)
Gemara:
Whoever’s tefilla is keva will not have it accepted as tachanunim. What does keva mean? Rabbi Yaakov bar Idi said: whoever’s prayers seem to him as a burden. Rabbanan said: whoever did not say the prayers in a language of supplication.
Ein Ayah: Before prayer, one’s soul should resemble one who is weak from involvement in thoughts that are far from shleimut and spirituality and is waiting for the praying to remove the darkness from him. By spilling out his soul before his Maker, he will be energized with a spiritual happiness. An improper prayer is one that does just the opposite: it is seen as a burden that will just tire him out further. Prayer mustn’t come because of no more than an obligation but must be accompanied by emotion.
On the other hand, if one’s prayers are an expression of emotion and nothing else, then it is not based on the foundation of prayer, which is, after all, a service to Hashem. The emotion should be a medium to focus his ideas in a proper manner, but prayer is well beyond human emotions. It should be supplication that evokes the will of Hashem. As supplication, one should realize that his feelings are of little importance in comparison with the Divine Will that is associated with prayer.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
