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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.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Returning Torah to its Central Standing – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.