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Beit Midrash
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The Torah does not bind one to the restrictions of a nazir automatically and does not instruct a person to accept it upon himself. Yet the Torah has several hints at a very positive outlook on the practice. First, the Torah describes the process of making oneself a nazir as being "for Hashem" (Bamidbar 6:2). He is then described, during his nezirut, as being "holy to Hashem" (ibid. 8). As the Seforno expounds: "He merited having the light of life and being ready to understand and teach, as is fit for the holy people of the generation." This is in line with the Ramban’s explanation of the sin-offering that a nazir brings after his nezirut. The Ramban says that he is a sinner, in that he had experienced the sanctity of the service of Hashem of a nazir and should have continued that state forever. When he returns to the world of physical desires, he needs atonement.
However, the Talmud does prominently cite the very different approach of Rabbi Elazar Hakapar, who says that the nazir’s sin is causing himself pain by preventing himself from drinking wine (Ta’anit 11a). The Yerushalmi (Nedarim 9:1) says: "It is not enough for you what the Torah prohibited that you forbid yourself in other things?" The Rambam writes that he had not heard a more wonderful idea than this.
There is somewhat of a compromise approach in Chazal, which Rashi cites in our parasha. The discussion of the nazir follows the discussion of the woman who is suspected of infidelity to her husband. The gemara (Nedarim 9b) says that when a person is exposed to such a negative influence that pushes him in the direction of illicit relations, it is the correct time to make an oath of nezirut. It then tells an interesting story of one whose evil inclination independently was starting to get aroused, and he decided to become a nazir in order to temper it. Rabbi Shimon Hatzaddik, who was generally critical of nezirut, was highly impressed and said: "My son, may there be many nezirim like you in Israel."
The lesson from that gemara is that nezirut is not appropriate for all, and it is not only unnecessary but harmful under normal circumstances. It is sinful to deprive oneself when there is no need. However, it is necessary and effective as a measure for emergencies, whether the evil inclination is aroused by what it sees within society or individually. We learn this concept from Shimshon (discussed in the haftara) as well. He had a stormy life of ups and downs and was endowed with great bravery but strong desires. That background helps us understand the Divine guidance that decreed that he should be a nazir, with the hope that it would help him survive spiritually as a non-traditional Jewish savior at one of the most difficult times of the period of the Judges.
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D'varim EXCUSES ARE RUNNING OUT
p. Dvarim, Shabbat Chazon, Tisha b'Av
p. Dvarim, Shabbat Chazon, Tisha b'Av
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.
