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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:The dynamics of a generation cause there to be, within the populace, a person who is great enough to lead. However, there are times that the generation as a collective is not prepared to have someone from within its midst who stands out among the rest for the task of leadership who shares the characteristics of the people of the generation. Yet, there may be someone in the generation who is great enough to lead, just that he is not influenced by the people, while he is capable of influencing them.
If there is a choice between the two types of leaders, it is better to have one who shares characteristics of the people. Since he is close enough to the people he will know how to lead them in the proper way. However, if it is "a place where there is no man," i.e., there is no one who is fit for the mantle from within the milieu, then one who is somewhat distinct should "be a man" there and assume leadership even though he does not relate smoothly with the people because he is on a higher level than they. If there were someone who was influenced by the generation who could handle the job, the "outsider" should not lead.
It is possible that the one who is influenced by and capable of influencing the generation and the one who is only able to influence it are both on the same level. The difference between them would then not be in regard to level. Rather one is more capable of picking up on that which is around him, while the other stands firmly by his own sense of matters. Despite the latter’s lack of flexibility, he could still influence others due to his stature. In such a case, we are to give the precedence to the one who is sensitive to the characteristics of the generation. Such a person is able to take matters that he picks up in the nation’s psyche and turn them around for the better.
In contrast, the one who is aloof will try to distance those things that he feels should not be present. When he sometimes fails in that effort, the generation will lose significantly. Rather it is better when the leader shares characteristics with the generation, which is good unless the characteristic finds expression in something that is forbidden by the Torah.
Only when there is really no one within the style of the generation who is capable of leading with justice and fear of Hashem in a proper way, are things ripe for the outsider to be inspired to use his spirit to save Israel (see Shmuel II, 23:3). In that case, his leadership is worthwhile because it is possible for him to put a new spirit in the nation and influence them. Then they can start to develop the characteristics that he possesses, based on the path of life that comes from the perfect ways of Hashem.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
