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Beit Midrash
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Gemara: Rav Kahana said: When Rabbi Yishmael the son of Rabbi Yossi became sick, they sent to him [the following message]: "Our master, tell us two or three things that you told us in the name of your father." He sent back: "This is what Father said: …" [The teachings were all about the history of the latter part of the Second Commonwealth.]
Ein Ayah: There is a difference between the study of Torah, which is fundamental within Judaism, and other areas of study, even those that are necessary. All other areas of study that have practical purposes are of value according to their use and the necessity for them. Exaggerating the value of the subject matter is counter-productive. In contrast, the improvement that Torah makes in one who studies it exceeds the practical value of the knowledge he absorbs by virtue of his involvement in Torah study in and of itself, as the pasuk says: "The Torah of his G-d is in his heart" (Tehillim 37:31).
The exact details of national history must be known by some within the nation. The unfolding of events is part of a nation’s heritage, which has a positive impact on the love people have for their nation. However, one cannot compare the value of knowing Jewish history to the value of knowing the intricacies of the Torah. Knowing every detail of the Torah is a special value that emanates from the sanctity of Israel, which separates us from every other nation. That is different from knowledge of national history, which applies to every nation. While it is true that our knowledge of our history is more important than others’ for theirs, that is because of the special role we have in the world.
In summary, knowledge of national history is dear to us, but it is important to be careful to realize that it should not be placed on the same pedestal as the sanctity of the words of Torah. The one exception to this is those historical events which Hashem chose to write directly in the Torah. About these we say that "the words of the servants of the forefathers" are themselves considered words of Torah because the Divine Providence saw fit to include them in the Torah. However, in regard to the basic concept of the recording of events, it must always be remembered that there is a difference between the sacred and the mundane. Then people will not make the mistake of thinking that all matters of Torah are valuable specifically by virtue of their connection to that which is national.
It is important to show that involvement in Torah study is special, beyond the knowledge that it provides. That is why our beracha before Torah study is "… to be involved in the words of Torah." That is not the case regarding history. While our love of the nation makes it important that certain facts about it not be forgotten, that should be done without equating its value to that of Torah.
For that reason, Rabbi Yishmael, who was a repository of historical information transmitted by his father, did not place stress on teaching these matters to his disciples during his lifetime. It was enough that the information would survive, which it did within his mind. It did not pay to waste precious moments of Torah study to share them. However, when he became ill with what was apparently the disease from which he died, and there was a chance that valuable information could become lost for eternity, his disciples requested of him to relay certain matters of history to them.
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.
