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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Investigation into a variety of matters needs to be done not just by the conclusions one comes to by analyzing the specific subjects. Rather they should be arrived at after a broad and all-encompassing knowledge of all the matters that relate to it even if they do not relate to it closely. Therefore, it is not realistic to arrive at good results through an innovative investigation unless one first developed broad knowledge of the entire subject and everything that relates to it.
This proviso is especially important when one opposes or critiques ideas. In order for this critical analysis to be useable to increase and adorn the Torah, to create more wisdom, and to glorify it, it must come from a full, all-encompassing, and orderly analysis of the matter, as is fitting of an expert. Therefore, a person has to be used to the arduous task of listening a lot, so that he can increase knowledge, while holding back from inserting his own thoughts and philosophies during the absorption process. Even if what he absorbs is contrary to his own ideas in certain details, he should not enter into intellectual battle too quickly. Rather, hass, be silent, listen, and get to the bottom of the subject by investigating all parts of it. Then you will have possession of the full picture, and you will be a warrior ready for the battle of Torah.
The next stage is katet – break that which it appears to you to need to be broken and dismantled. However, do not be hasty to dismantle and criticize before you are a great expert in the matter at hand. If you are hasty, there will be great logical and ethical problems. This is because in general when one studies, the broad absorption of information needs to come before creative investigation. That is what the gemara means by: "A person should always study Torah first and then contemplate." We also see that breaking and dismantling, using the weapons of intellectual opposition and criticism, must come only after deep and clear knowledge, which is acquired with great toil and work. If you fulfill the condition, you will certainly see blessing even when you break some of that which you have seen. This is the way that Torah is studied: one person builds and another destroys, as long as the latter is capable and appropriately prepared to do so.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
