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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
At Har Sinai, Hashem inculcated in Bnei Yisrael the fundamental belief in a single and singular G-d. For this unique moment in history, "He who sits in the hidden heights" revealed Himself to the entirety of His chosen nation. While Hashem remained beyond the ability of a human being to see (Shemot 33:20), His Presence was evident in a palpable manner to an unprecedented degree (Shemot 20:14). From that point on, the perturbing question has been echoing in the world: where does one search for Hashem? Can He be found within us ("From my flesh I shall see Hashem"- Iyov 19:26)? Or is He out of our reach (High above High- Kohelet 5:7)?
Our haftara contains the famous pasuk, "they called one to the other and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the world is full of his presence’" (Yeshaya 6:3). Anshei K’nesset Hagedola inserted this pasuk into more parts of the tefilla than any other pasuk. It is also found in the most central positions within the tefilla, leading up to Kriat Shma, in the midst of Kedusha, and in Kedusha D’sidra. What is so special about this pasuk?
The pasuk starts with "kadosh" (holy) to describe Hashem. This refers to distance from Him, to fear, justice, and that which is forbidden. In the framework of these concepts, the mind and cold analysis reign supreme. On the other hand, the pasuk concludes with "k’vodo." (His glory). This refers to Divine Revelation and, with it, to closeness, love, mercy, and that which is permissible. In this realm, feeling and a warm relationship are the leading elements. The tension between these apparently competing motifs is alluded to in the pasuk, "You shall make for Me a holy place (mikdash), and I shall dwell among them." The mikdash is a place where one must practice strict laws to preserve its sanctity, yet it is also a place that enables Hashem to enter the personal realm of every individual ("dwell among them").
Which of these approaches to Hashem, of distance or closeness, is more Jewish? The answer is that both are. All Jews should serve Hashem in both frameworks. However, different Jews put a greater or lesser stress on one or the other. There is no absolute right or wrong. It depends on what suits the individual’s personality and enables him to serve Hashem in the most complete way he can. It is especially critical that parents choose an educational approach that suits each child’s spiritual profile. One child thrives in an open atmosphere, while another benefits from discipline, etc.
We can illustrate this concept with a geometrical example. An ellipse is a figure with two foci. All points on the ellipse share the same sum-total distance from the two foci, while one is closer to one focus, and another closer to the other focus. So too, in or spiritual life, fear of Hashem and closeness to Him are the foci. Two Jews need not be in the same location. Rather, every Jew has his place on the ellipse. We must become accustomed to respecting other Jews who occupy a different location than we are used to.
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.
