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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- Sukkot
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
One could simply say that the Torah is interested in ecological conservation. Instead of cutting down trees to make fancy schach, we use what is available and would otherwise be discarded. Without rejecting this possibility, we can suggest a more spiritual variation of this theme.
A basic explanation of the idea behind living in a sukka is that it shows our belief that our protection does not come from the strong, permanent house we build. Rather Hashem can protect us in a flimsy dwelling, as He protected our forefathers in the desert. The "festival of the harvest" element of Sukkot (see Shemot 23:16) conveys a theme of thanks for present-day bounty, and the choice of schach may broaden the scope of the thanks. We recognize the good not only of the principle produce, but we demonstrate that we can use even the by-products of that which we grow with Hashem’s help. We should be thankful for even the minor things that are apt to be overlooked. In addition to showing our thanks for agricultural leftovers, we also demonstrate that every little thing can be used for a mitzva. We can use all of our physical resources for worthwhile matters. By means of extension, we can note that we can use all of our personal traits for a mitzva or for our avodat Hashem, in general.
If we take this approach, we can continue with a homiletic analysis of not only what can be used for schach but also that which cannot be used. Schach cannot be still connected to the ground. From a practical perspective, that which is connected is probably intended to continue growing and producing. It would be wasteful to cut such a thing down and use it for a seven-day period. From a spiritual perspective, we may have attributes or attainments that we could use now but are better utilized if we allow them to develop more and "harvest" them later. For example, both in secular and sacred study, there are times that one pursues advanced degrees instead of hurrying to the work place to apply that which was learned on a lower academic level. Furthermore, things that can become tameh (impure) are unfit. This consists mainly of things that are already processed or ready for use. In our sukka we want that which has not been defined for a given purpose, but is open for exploration as to its appropriate use. Indeed, the sukka teaches us to keep our minds open to creative utilization of unknown or under-appreciated, physical and/or spiritual resources.
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.
