YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:Life, in general, is made up of a combination of many scenarios: scenarios of torment and of happiness, anguish and rejoicing. Only when all these experiences merge together do they adopt their true characteristic, and they are called "life." One who is truly wise, who understands all the complexity of life, will not have difficulty accepting all the elements of life, including the difficult ones, because he understands that they form one tapestry.
For example, the dark of night, when viewed individually, is generally seen as an unwanted situation. However, when combining it with the light of day, so that night serves as a contrast from day, then it is a positive thing. Similarly, sorrow joins with joy to create a proper balance.
The greater a life is the greater its impact will be. It is clear that the goal of everything is goodness and a feeling of calm and spiritual delight. Sorrow, anguish, and bitterness exist just to serve as a contrast so that the value of goodness and sweetness will be that much more clear. It is understandable that one will look at all that transpires and view episodes of pain and not understand how Hashem could be behind them. However, Hashem is He who gives out life to all that live, and before Him all the secrets of life in all their depth are revealed. He knows that the pain is just like one seed of mustard or one granule of salt, which comes to spice a pot full of food. While it is sharp, without it the food would not be seasoned.
One has to look for an answer for the intellectually appropriate question: why must it be that in order for Torah to survive and flourish in Israel, special people have to accept horrible physical afflictions. This was the angels’ question of "This is Torah, and this is its reward?" Hashem’s very profound answer is that it is all are arranged according to the value of each person’s life.
In order for all to be balanced in the proper way so that there will be a complete picture of a complex life, there is a need for a bitter element. That element is horrible by itself but takes its part in making a wonderful life. This is as the pasuk (Tehillim 36:8) says: "How dear is Your kindness, Hashem."
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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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
