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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:In principle, when one’s understanding becomes great, the details of general ideas merge into the collective. Therefore, there is logic to give a single general praise that captures the essence of Hashem’s benevolence to us.
However, in practice, one will never be able to grasp the general idea until he considers the details that constitute it. When he does so very clearly and the individual elements, each important in and of itself, form together one great picture, his spirit will be elevated and will delight in its connection to Hashem. Specifically the variety will uncover endless light, which can be compared metaphorically to the individual streams and rivers that flow into and form the waters of the sea.
That is why the Rabbis instituted separate blessings for each situation and benefit, so that one will fill himself with sanctity, in accordance with the pasuk, "You went up to the heavens and seized spoils; you took presents among man" (Tehillim 68:19).
A Time to Spread and a Time to Gather
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Berachot 9:276)
Gemara:Hillel the Elder said: At a time when people are keeping things to themselves, spread [Torah]. At a time when people are spreading, gather (keep things to yourself).
Ein Ayah:The good ideas and approaches to improve mankind fall into two categories. There is a tendency for man to want to improve himself and a tendency to try to improve the collective. These two goals are actually intertwined. The more individuals there are who have elevated themselves, the more successful their collective will be. Similarly, when one improves the collective, whether it be a national collective or humanity as a whole, he also impacts on many individuals, who are spiritually nourished by the spirituality of the collective.
Since people possess different characteristics, they will never reach a point of stability. Hashem intends that humanity should be improved in all aspects, in the collective and the individual realms. To do this, many people need to do a lot of work. To fix individuals, there is a need to involve many people, quantitatively. To improve the collective, there is a need for great levels, qualitatively.
It is hard, in any generation, to arrive at a situation whereby the needs of each are equally addressed. Some generations possess a spirit of individual self-improvement. While this is good, it is important for the collective and its individual components to not forsake the realm of the collective. When one identifies this danger, he should try to convey upon himself and others the need to spread positive qualities among the masses. However, the pendulum can swing in the other direction, whereby so much effort is put into the collective, that there are not enough people toiling to improve themselves intellectually and spiritually, and even materially. This is important for the collective, as well, as one should not teach before he learns or influence others before reaching the necessary level. Therefore, in a generation where there is too much emphasis on spreading, one should look to balance the matter by working, internally, on his own growth.
These are the important corrections to the trends of society to which the gemara refers.
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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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.
