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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Rabbi Yochanan said: Whoever makes a beracha over a full cup of wine will receive a portion without boundaries, as the pasuk says: "To the west and the south he will inherit" (Devarim 33:23). Rabbi Yossi bar Chanina says: He will merit receiving two worlds: this world and the world to come.
Ein Ayah: Superficially, we view the proper approach for a person who wants a truly meaningful life as accomplished by sufficing with necessities and distancing himself from enjoying extras. However, enjoyment of a broader physical life beyond bare necessities is engrained in the human soul, and it must be for good reason that Hashem created us in that way.
Desiring luxuries is a negative trait when one does so in order to simply indulge his senses, in which case he really should work on limiting himself. However, it is also possible to use one’s natural inclination toward expansiveness in order to prepare himself for that which is good and straight in Hashem’s eyes. In that case, he need not try to curb himself, for there is no limit to that which he can accomplish with broad resources.
Making a beracha on a full cup demonstrates a satiation in bountiful materialism. However, when one uses that cup to bless Hashem in a way that indicates that he wants to use broad resources to promote that which is righteous, then it is appropriate for him to desire a broad physical life. Such a person’s reward is a portion without boundaries, for if he desired the plentifulness for himself, how much can he have? However, if he desires great riches, honor, and success so that he will be able to accomplish many things, there are no limits as to what can be used. That is why he receives a portion without boundaries.
The foundation of a good approach to life is recognizing the good one receives. The more one appreciates that which he receives the more his personal characteristics will develop favorably. Then also, the more he receives, the more he will use his gifts to spread kindness in the world. This occurs when one recognizes the good in his Maker.
Most people make a clear distinction between physical and spiritual pleasure, and such people cannot fill their soul with the love of both this world and the world to come. The Chovot Halevavot compares it to putting water and fire in the same utensil. This, though, is when one is talking about this world from the perspective of the pleasures of the senses. However, when one enjoys the good of this world because of what he can accomplish with it, then the love of the physical is the love of the spiritual as well. The acts of kindness that he is involved in are activities that are very compatible with the life of the world to come. This is why one who makes a beracha on a full cup can inherit both this world and the world to come.
From the two statements (portion without boundaries; this world and the next) together, we learn that with the right approach to abundance in this physical world, one can make himself fit to receive endlessly in a both physical and a spiritual manner.
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
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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.
