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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The final purpose of every positive and negative mitzva in the Torah is the impression of goodness and sanctity it makes on the soul. Therefore, those things that follow the proper set custom in good Jewish homes have full value when the master of the house is fully apprised that they were done properly. The realization on his part brings the influence into his heart. That is why he should ask members of his household.
This is his way of knowing that there is peace in his "tent," with the laws of the Torah being observed within. When he takes an active role in the observance in the home, the whole house is elevated along with him. The good things that go on should be by virtue of his instructions. If things occur on their own, it gives the impression that they are not fundamental to the functioning of the home and that matters could carry on without them. The master of the house must show that the mitzvot are the foundations. This is the matter of "relating to the situation in one’s home" and knowing that there is peace. This is the assurance that "you shall not sin."
The entrance of the holy Shabbat is the time when Jewish sanctity shines brightest and strongest. That is the time to ensure that the operation of the home is being done in the best possible way, which shows that the proper form of a proud Jewish house is in place.
Power of Mitzva Over Discipline
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 2:193)
Gemara: Rabba bar Rav Huna said: Even though the Rabbis said, "There are three things that a man has to say …," it must be said in calmly. Rav Ashi said: I did not hear this in Rabba bar Rav Huna’s name, but I fulfilled it based on logic.
Ein Ayah: Every matter that needs decisions contains a "close action" and a "distant action." The close action relates to the specific matter at hand – to act or to refrain from action. The distant action relates to the important results that will occur in the future as a result.
In any apparatus of authority, there are two approaches: pleasantness and aggressiveness. The authority can either act gently or with a strong arm. Regarding the specific matter before us, better results come from speaking and acting gently than from acting aggressively or indirectly. However, there is value in the authority asserting its power, as it strengthens the ability to intimidate rebellious people who in some future case would not be willing to follow decisions. Thus, a seemingly unnecessary display of authority has some added value.
However, regarding mitzvot, we know that their fulfillment, in and of themselves, purifies the mind and heart of the one who performs them. Therefore, in this regard, whether in terms of the close action or the distant one, the gentle approach is sufficient. It not only will cause the mitzva to be done in the present but also intrinsically improves prospects for the future. That is what Rabba meant by the master of the house giving the instructions calmly. It will be effective in the short term, and the mitzva will "drag along" another mitzva.
The above discussion is on the assumption that the critical matter is the long-term prospect of fulfillment. However, Rav Ashi said that without even considering the future, the approach to take in any case is, logically, the gentle approach.
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.
