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Beit Midrash
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- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:The national goal of Israel is unique, like its standing in the world – the ultimate purpose of its spiritual aspirations is not for itself. Rather, it is for the betterment of the general intellectual/spiritual welfare of the world, based on ethics and true straightness, which can be achieved only when mankind will submit to the Kingdom of Hashem.
The concept of knowledge of Hashem in the world is a result of first having a clear recognition of truth, which brings with it all the good deeds that mankind is capable of, illuminating the world with the light of truth and peace. So too, the purpose of the kingdom in Israel is to advance that same agenda of world acceptance of the Divine Kingdom and the seeking of truth. The specific national agenda is minor compared to the pursuit of universal good. Israel’s goal is not as an "individual limb" within the framework of the nations of the world but relates to the community of nations as a whole into which all the parts join to be elevated together, each impacting on the other, hopefully in a positive manner.
This is why the honor due to the king, as a means to maximize the positive impact of the kingdom, is related to the honor of Hashem. The honor of the king is a by-product of the honor of Hashem, and this honor is capable of magnifying the ethical standing of the nation more than any other national institution. This is because our greatest national asset is connected to our greatest ethical goals. For that reason, the blessing for the king is "that He shared his honor with those who fear Him."
Regarding other nations, each one has a goal that connects to a specific need for the improvement of the world, for which each nation is uniquely capable due to its characteristics, race, knowledge, and historical legacy. In that way it can give to mankind from its attainments and its people’s ingenuity. This power is certainly a gift from Hashem, but it is not an overarching contribution that directly makes Hashem’s glory recognizable but a specific one that emanates from characteristics that are imbedded in their flesh and blood. Therefore the corresponding blessing for their leader is "who gave from His honor to flesh and blood."
Just as there is a goal of kingdom so there is a goal of wisdom. Each nation has the special power to increase its intellectual and spiritual acumen. There are many paths and many disciplines, so that mankind needs a lot of joint work, with each focusing on a specific area of strength. That which is special in Israel is the wisdom of the Torah, which shows how all the different areas of wisdom are linked by the purpose of knowledge of Hashem and attaining justice. When everyone seeks the broadest truth, it will bring peace to the world. In this way the wisdom of Israel shares a goal with divine wisdom, as it improves the whole world. That is why the blessing for the wise in Israel is that "he shared of His wisdom with those who fear Him." The wisdom of the nations is more localized for each nation, and therefore the appropriate blessing is that "He gave of His wisdom to flesh and blood."
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
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
