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Beit Midrash
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- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Mitzvot have impact in two ways. One is through each mitzva’s specific purpose. The other, even greater, impact is by virtue of their being G-dly commandments, and this sanctifies and purifies the heart. It also provides the mitzva with the character of sanctity that befits it and operates within the depths of the soul so that the impact will last forever, as the pasuk says: "The word of our G-d will stand forever" (Yeshaya 40:8).
How does one clearly stress that mitzvot are G-dly [and not a humanly motivated moral act]? This is done by fulfilling the mitzva in great detail and with many conditions. If the only purpose of mitzvot related to the revealed moral elements, there would not be grounds for such extensive requirements. These wonderful minutiae infuse the mitzva and the one who performs it with the spirit of Hashem by reminding the person that he is involved in the mitzva of Hashem. Although the mitzva’s evident purpose exists, he is made aware that Hashem, whose wisdom is beyond comprehension, commanded it.
Therefore, we should look deeply into the meaning of the words and letters of the Torah along with the reliable traditions about the details of the mitzva, which complete the internal message that we do not claim to understand everything about the mitzva. Actively fulfilling the mitzvot with all their details has an even more profound impact. One perceives that there is more than the pleasant mitzva based on its known reason, for example, the idea of strengthening the Torah by giving presents to the kohanim and levi’im. It teaches him that we, with our very limited intellect and emotion, are not capable of imagining all the glory and significance of the general benefit to the nation and to the world for all generations as the Master of all Actions knows. Therefore, the intricacies show that we are drawn by "ropes of love" to the purpose of mitzvot, not just according to our limited perception but based on Hashem’s broad wisdom.
The Torah’s wording of the declaration, "I did not stray from Your mitzvot," teaches the idea of not passing over the boundary of the fulfillment of the mitzvot as divine mitzvot. Therefore, there are divine limitations on how the mitzva can be fulfilled, even though according to the human outlook on them, the details should not be important. Thus, the intricacies provide the mitzvot with their full aura, grandeur and permanence.
This idea is particularly appropriate regarding the declaration that accompanies a G-dly mitzva that has reasons that are clear to man, e.g., giving tithes. The message is to try to fulfill the mitzva without missing its specifically divine elements which are noticeable specifically by virtue of the details that can only be due to their godliness. It is reminiscent of the world of nature, where being careful about something’s specific physical attributes shows the great breadth of the wisdom of the rules of nature. These intricacies of nature exist throughout the physical and spiritual world, as set up by divine omniscience.
"I did not stray from Your mitzvot" and was careful to keep them within their character and fulfill them to their fullest without allowing intellectualism to claim to encompass the entire mitzva. It is not enough that I gave to the levi, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow. I also put the divine light into the mitzva and showed that I am involved in the service of Hashem and in lofty rules that do not allow passing over boundaries.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
