YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Some say that that a Torah scholar should not walk with a koma zekufa (overly erect posture), for it was said that whoever walks with a koma zekufa even for four amot is as if he is pushing away the "Divine Presence’s legs," for the pasuk says: "His glory fills the whole world" (Yeshaya 6:3).
Ein Ayah: A person’s powers that are imbedded in him to bring him to physical and spiritual shleimut (completeness) are such that he will be successful when he acts properly. In this way he will be able to reach his goals in a calm manner and cling to knowledge and fear of Hashem.
Hashem gave man the desire to strengthen all of his powers to the fullest degree. The foundation of all of man’s strength is his understanding that he should dedicate his life to know and serve Hashem. Therefore, the feeling of the presence of Hashem’s Hand upon him should be ingrained in his mind. When a person does not press himself to utilize all of his natural efforts because he relies upon Hashem’s help, it gives him a feeling of good fortune and wonderful calm and peace.
For this reason, one should not walk with a koma zekufa. He should walk erect, which indicates his desire for a life of dignity and confidence, but not to an extreme of pushing himself to the limit, because he should know that Hashem’s Hand is there to help him. Someone who walks with a koma zekufa shows that he is not willing to surrender anything from the greatness he perceives he can attain himself. In that way he figuratively pushes Hashem away and does not allow Him to make an impression on his life. Such a person has nothing to gain from all of his hard work. Indeed a person will never find for himself calm and real good feelings if he is not willing to place a boundary on his aspirations. One should carry himself physically in a manner that demonstrates this realization, including not walking with a koma zekufa.
A Case For and Against Vegeterianism
(based on Berachot 6:64)
[Rav Kook was a theoretical proponent of vegetarianism, which he felt would be prevalent at the time of Mashiach. He was apparently not a vegetarian. This piece sheds some light on the matter.]
Gemara:
Eggs are better for a person than all other foods their size except for meat.
Ein Ayah: If there were a food to replace meat nutritionally, it would be considered improper [not forbidden] to slaughter and eat animals. However, the nutritional value of meat to strengthen the body and the spirit cannot be fully replaced. Therefore, it is a proper obligation for animals to pay their duty to that which is necessary for man to reach his potential. By means of man’s success, the animal kingdom also progresses.
This is a similar idea to that of men dying during a just war that is necessary for mankind’s improvement. The soldiers are not considered by human law to be murderers. Since animal life is not of the same value as human life, the price that they pay in strengthening the foundation of mankind [is correct]. According to Torah, only a small part of the animal kingdom takes part in supporting man through consumption. We eat, for the most part, species that benefit from mankind’s care. When we slaughter wild animals [such as dear] we are required to cover their blood. This indicates that there is an element of wrong in their slaughter, just that we are not on the level that they should be forbidden, similar to the concept "that the Torah spoke with the evil inclination in mind" (Kiddushin 21b).
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
