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Beit Midrash
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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.
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
