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Beit Midrash
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- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The hinge upon which the matter of berachot swings is the shleimut (completeness) that they help one acquire regarding true theological understanding, as the Rambam mentions (Berachot 1:3-4). This knowledge causes one to act in a manner of straightness, specifically by doing that which is good and straight in Hashem’s eyes.
The most basic of all pure elements of knowledge is to know about Hashem, which is represented by the mention of Hashem’s name in our berachot. However, the knowledge that causes one to act in a totally proper manner is the knowledge of Hashem’s dominion in the world, which obligates people to follow in the strength of the laws of the King.
The Amoraim argue as to what the main focus of a beracha should be on. Rav says that it is the basic theological truth that is the main thing at the heart of the beracha, and that suffices, in the final analysis, to cause one to act properly. Rabbi Yochanan feels that it is impossible [ed. note- perhaps it should say "possible"] for one to know about Hashem yet leave the path of proper actions. In general it is a matter of debate whether it is enough for one to know the truth in order for him to act in a totally moral manner. That is why Rabbi Yochanan requires one to mention in a direct manner that which causes him to act as he should, which is knowledge of Hashem’s malchut. Thereby he realizes that Hashem is particular about how he acts and will use His power to punish those who do not stray from the straight path.
It is logical to say that there is a difference in this regard between a birkat hamitzva (a blessing before fulfilling a mitzva) and a birkat hanehenin (a blessing before benefiting from the world, most classically before eating). A birkat hamitzva is done at the time that one is involved in an action of straightness that shows the person’s acceptance of Hashem’s dominion. Then it is enough to just mention Hashem’s great name and indicate that he is doing the action for the sake of Hashem. Regarding birkat hanehenin there is more of an intrinsic reason to mention both His name and His malchut. On the other hand, there is a halachic concept that we want berachot to be as uniform as possible, as we find halachically that when a certain beracha needs to be made after a mitzva in certain cases, we do it afterward for all cases of that beracha (for example, the beracha on washing hands and immersing). For this reason, Abayei felt only that Rav’s opinion had a preference (as opposed to a proof) because his source for not needing malchut was regarding a birkat hamitzva, where malchut is of less importance, as it is clear from the context that he is aware about malchut. Therefore that source is only an indication, not a proof, that berachot, as a rule, do not require malchut.
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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.
