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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The purpose of human society creating improvements is certainly something that can be seen differently from different perspectives. Just as there is a great distinction between Israel and the nations as far as our being holy among the mundane, so too is there a difference in regard to the purpose for striving to improve the world. Certainly our intentions and those of the Romans were very different.
Undoubtedly, the different intentions behind actions impact on some of the details of how the actions are carried out. Even so, there are things that overlap, in that they are helpful both for the Romans’ coarse materialistic goals and for Israel’s holy purposes. These matters can be called pleasant and constructive.
It is positive for someone to always seek out the shared accomplishments and use them for positive purposes. He can enjoy them and praise them even if they come from a source that is coarse and whose purposes are diametrically opposed to the proper ones that the "kingdom of priests and holy nation" has. Such a person, who can still appreciate the good, is fit to be the head spokesman in all places. With all his connection to sanctity, to Torah, and to the holiness of Israel, he can still find a place in his heart for the good he comes in contact with, even from an evil nation.
One of the important things in society is that one can acquire that which others have produced so that various people can be involved in different occupations and provide that which is useful to others. This is the benefit of marketplaces. Another benefit is to allow people from distant places to be unified. This is the gain made possible by bridges. Above all the others is the benefit of creating things that bring good health to all members of society so that they will be able to continue to be productive members of society. The cleanliness that is gained by the existence of bathhouses is such a matter. These three elements, which Rabbi Yehuda noted, are pleasant enterprises, which, no matter the intention of the one who made them, can be used for the loftiest of goals.
Rabbi Yossi was silent, as he had a different approach to good things that come from a bad source. Admittedly, it is not possible to deny that good comes from such sources. However, we always have a fear that the bad part of the internal inclination will cause greater destruction than the good that emanates from it. Therefore, one can neither protest the good nor rejoice in something that comes from a totally negative source. The heart of the perceiver is cast into a storm, as the feeling of recognition of good is opposed by concern for the strengthening of the evil people through their successes. In such a case, the heart prevents a person from reacting positively or negatively. Like Rabbi Yossi, such a person is silent.
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
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
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.
