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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: [In the previous piece (which was too long and complicated to bring in this context), on the same mishna, Rav Kook learned from the mishna that while in the realm of religious action, there is a need for a high level of conformity, regarding religious thought, there is much more room for individualism. This will be important in appreciating the following short piece.]
The mizbeach (altar) is the symbol of the covenant of spiritual unity, as Hashem is One and dwells within Bnei Yisrael. That is why there was particular anger against the members of the tribes of Gad and Reuven when they built their own altar (Yehoshua 22:12). This serves as a sign that the unity in the matter of practical actions will always go together with spiritual unity. Specifically, just as all the actions must strengthen the path of Hashem within the nation in practice, so too the lofty spiritual ideas must be strengthened.
A condition of the joining together of all the contributions of the individuals to one unified setting in action and in thought is that every individual must not turn his individuality, whether in action or thought, into a fundamental matter. All philosophical thoughts and actions have to be primarily intended to benefit the greater community, in regard to their actions and thoughts. Following this approach brings one to a good way of life in both of these realms.
This limiting of one’s emphasis on individualism is represented by bowing down, as it shows that one nullifies himself as an individual before the great light that is good for all, whose spirit fills the whole world. Therefore, to complete the whole experience that is included in the bringing of bikurim, the one who brings the fruit puts his contribution beside the [unifying] mizbeach and bows down before leaving.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
