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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
Teshuva (Repentance) – the very existence of the possibility of teshuva without direct connection to rectifying the tendency toward a specific sin implies closeness to Hashem. That is why our Rabbis taught us that teshuva preceded the creation of the world (see a list of seven such pre-creation creations – Pesachim 54a). That is why the days of teshuva begin in the beginning of the month of Elul.
Days of Judgment – Rabbi Yossi says that people are judged every day, and Rabbi Natan says that it occurs every moment (Rosh Hashana 16a). According to them, what is unique about Rosh Hashana? One can explain that during this special period, there is special closeness to Hashem, which stems from our willingness to be judged. When we exclaim that Hashem is the righteous judge of the whole world, people enter the path that ends with a sincere mindset of "For me, closeness to Hashem is good."
The Days of Selichot – The selichot are special prayers in the spirit of the days, which revolve around the recitation of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. These days prepare us for Yom Kippur and, especially, for the concluding prayer of Ne’ila, which is structured around the Thirteen Attributes. (They are absent from the davening of Rosh Hashana.)
During this period, Hashem promised that there would be special opportunities for mercy related to these prayers. As a matter of fact, the gemara (Rosh Hashana 17b) says that Hashem acted like a chazan and showed Moshe how to pray by mentioning the Attributes in a way that elicits the best results of forgiveness. Here too, through the description of Hashem’s Attributes, we draw ourselves closer to Him.
Sukkot – Entering the sukka has a clear significance of finding "protection under the wings of the Divine Presence." Having every limb in a person’s body within the sukka certainly gives expression to great closeness to Hashem, like entering a bridal canopy. The house that the sukka represents is the joint house of Bnei Yisrael and Hashem. The ushpizin, the historical great guests who spiritually grace our sukkot, are like the invited guests to the wedding. After all, a wedding without guests is hardly a wedding (this even has halachic implications). Certainly, anyone who enters the sukka is declaring: "For me, closeness to Hashem is good."
May we all merit, on these special days that begin our new year, to draw closer to Hashem and merit His forgiveness. Let us feel that "For me, closeness to Hashem is good."
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.
