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Beit Midrash
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Gemara: Rav Yosef’s wife would light her Shabbat candles relatively close to sunset. Rav Yosef said to her: It is said in a baraita about thepasuk "The pillar of cloud would not be removed during the day, neither would the pillar of fire in the night" (Shemot 13:22) – this teaches us that the pillar of cloud would be added on along with the pillar of fire, and the pillar of fire would be added on along with the pillar of cloud. She thought that she should, then, light particularly early. A certain old man told her that it is written in a baraita: "As long as one does not light too early or too late."
Ein Ayah: The light of Shabbat gives light and pleasure and increases peace and sanctity, as it awakens the heart to the light of Torah, which flows from the spring of holy belief in the power of Hashem. These are things which Israel acquires in their hearts through the sanctity of Shabbat. This light also hints at the great light that will illuminate every dark spot with Hashem’s light and honor when the Land will be filled with knowledge of Hashem during the era in which days will all be like Shabbat.
The broadening of the knowledge of Torah and of Hashem prepares the hearts of those who are fit to receive the light in the future. Since everything has its time, it is important to internalize that things work out that much better when they occur at their appointed time. The special light, when it will come at the time when the world is fit to benefit from such a bright light, will be very effective and will bring people close to Hashem’s light, goodness, and truth. If someone will make a special effort to have it shine before its time, it will not be a blessing because few people will be able to withstand it. It will actually cause people to be damaged and make mistakes, as it will create a darkness of sorts.
It is important to realize that opposites are connected to each other and focus on a true light that Hashem prepared to be uncovered at the correct time. Therefore, one should not think that light has no place in the period before the great light. Actually, that period of darkness helps pave the way for the light. A pillar of cloud brings a certain amount of darkness. And this causes the pillar of fire to illuminate significantly.
Similarly, there are actions in the realms of knowledge, justice, and love and fear of Hashem that are made possible specifically by darkness. These are not intrinsically positive actions but those that pave the way for positive things in the future, in an up-and-down pattern that Hashem arranges. That is why the pillar of cloud is added to the pillar of fire and the pillar of fire is added to the pillar of cloud.
There is a parallel relationship between weekday and Shabbat. It is important to show that Shabbat has a connection to weekdays. Shabbat impacts on the week, and the week actually impacts on Shabbat, as the week allows Shabbat to stand out as special. Delaying the lighting of Shabbat candles until close to sunset would indicate that there is no connection between the light of Shabbat and weekday. This is a false message, as weekdays were made to help prepare us for the light of Shabbat. That is why we make sure to light candles while it is still light outside, just as the fire in the desert arrived during the day, when the cloud was still functioning. This shows their harmonious interaction.
On the other hand, it is not good to light the Shabbat candles too early. This shows that the light comes later because that is the proper time for it to appear. Something that adds so much goodness at the right time will not be helpful at the wrong time. "There is a time for every endeavor" (Kohelet 3:17). That is why one should neither light candles too early nor too late.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
