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Beit Midrash
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- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: [While the gemara describes two approaches of people toward a host, we will view that as a hint at approaches toward Hashem’s provisions for man.]
There are people who lack hope, who speak negatively about Divine Providence, disapproving of many things. Such reactions lower a person’s spirit, the purity of his soul, and his fear of Hashem. In order that those who hear such people should not be affected, they should realize that the pessimistic approach is not based on subjective logic. Rather, a person’s approach depends on whether he has a characteristic of a positive or of a negative outlook, finding expression even in small things, as follows.
One guest sees all that the host does in the most positive light. This is not at all false, as there are positive elements that one who looks with a good eye finds, causing him to have warm feelings toward the host. He judges the host favorably, based on his knowledge that if he were the host, he would take steps to treat his guests properly. He assumes that his host has the same proper approach. One with a negative outlook looks for ways to minimize that which is good and paint things negatively.
A person who looks to do good looks at Divine Providence in a positive light, as he is confident that his own desire to do good comes from the divine spirit within him. He posits that the ostensibly bad in the world has a positive source, making him happier in life and more able to serve Hashem truly with a good outlook to Hashem and His creations. A person with a bad spirit imagines bad things and views that which Hashem and which his fellow human provide in that light. One has a choice to connect himself to the positive and to a pleasant life, aided by a cheerful approach.
The one with the good eye will be connected to a poetic tendency to sing about the wonderful world Hashem created (see Tehillim 92: 5-6). Song is a spiritual creation to bring people spiritual enjoyment. A positive person will cherish the gift of song and thank Hashem for creating such delicate enjoyment. This is what the first pasuk brought in the gemara means in context. [In other words, he will magnify Hashem’s greatness as much as he can and be happy about the gift of singing.]
The negative person will not only fail to appreciate the spiritual gift of song but will not even see that which logically he should be thankful for. He will make people afraid of him and will not see their good, as the second pasuk hints.
We can see that man was created to strive to be positive and look to be thankful to Hashem: "Have enjoyment from Hashem, and He will give you that which your heart desires" (Tehillim 37:4). This will give the person the proper type of patience – not one of apathy, which causes the world to fail. Rather we are talking about the patience of one who knows that Hashem will fix all that seems bad and lacking so that man will have all that he needs to be successful in physical and spiritual ventures. Such patience increases fear of Hashem and fear of sin, giving one a most complete love of Hashem and of His creations; this is what man is supposed to be all about.
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.
