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The following was the practice of Rabbi Akiva: when he would pray with the congregation, he would finish up relatively quickly because of the inconvenience of the congregation, and when he would pray by himself, one would leave him in one corner and find him in another corner. Why did he move that much? Due to bowing and prostrating.
Ein Ayah: Specific intent for the words one is saying is certainly a critical element of prayer. Deep contemplation of the Divine [referred to by the previous gemara as "focusing his heart on the heaven"], is certainly an added advantage. On the basic level, understanding what one is saying includes a basic level of relating to Hashem, to whom the prayers are obviously directed. To heighten the general focus on the Heaven to a deeper level is of critical importance when one is in the introspective context of private prayer. In contrast, when one prays with the community, it is proper to make his thoughts in line with the level of the community. Since the congregation as a group could not possibly reach the deep spiritual visualizations of a holy man like Rabbi Akiva, he quickened his prayers and sufficed with intention for the specific meanings of the words. This is sufficient because joining with the community is itself a matter of a very high level and overrides the high level that an individual can reach.
As far as the meaning of the words is concerned, it is hard to discern between the level of a normal person and that of a great one, as the gradations are more subtle. However, in regard to the more general level of connectedness to Hashem, this is a matter of wisdom of the heart and great spiritual attainments, where one person’s level can be palpably much higher.
Clearly, the fuller the appreciation of Hashem’s greatness, the more a person will view himself as subservient to Him. This frame of mind is demonstrated by bowing down. Therefore, it is appropriate that specifically during private prayers, Rabbi Akiva would bow down many times. Again, despite the power of such spiritual rapture, being part of a community is so great that it justifies having a shorter prayer to avoid inconveniencing the community.
The Interaction of the Intellectual and Emotional in Prayer
(condensed from Berachot 5:19)
Gemara:
"Chana was speaking to her heart" (Shmuel I, 1:13). From here we see that one who prays has to focus his heart.
Ein Ayah: Speech relates to the sechel (intellect), but prayer requires the arousing of the emotions of the heart as well. However, this emotion should be triggered by the sechel, which instructs the heart when it is worthwhile to react. This is what the pasuk meant by saying that she spoke (sechel) to (or, over) her heart. In other words, her intellect gave her heart orders. This is stronger language than saying just to have concentration.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
