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Simha bat Hana
Rabbi Chaim Vital, in his work "Shaarei Kedusha," expands upon this idea:
"Positive or negative character traits are like the throne and foundation and root of the sublime, rational soul upon which the 613 commandments are dependent. Indeed, they (these traits) are the most essential preparatory factor in as far as the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the commandments is concerned. And because they serve as the foundation of the fulfillment of the commandments, negative character traits are worse than the transgressions themselves.
"Hence, it is possible to understand the words of our Rabbis of blessed memory: 'Whoever loses his temper is seen as having practiced actual idolatry,' and idolatry is likened to the violation of all the other commandments combined, and the Sages say, 'One who has bad manners is considered a heretic, and such a person deserves to be uprooted like an Ashera Tree.' We find, then, that it is more important to distance ourselves from negative character traits than to fulfill positive and negative commandments, for once a person attains good character traits, he can easily fulfill all of the commandments."
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
35 - 36. Well-balanced Character Traits
36 - 35. The Commandments Depend on Good Character Traits
37 - 37. Torah Commandments: The Ultimate Joy
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Rabbi Chaim Vital continues: "This allows us to understand otherwise puzzling statements made by our Sages of blessed memory concerning good traits: humility and contriteness lead to Divine inspiration, and cause the Divine Presence to dwell upon a person. And Elijah the Prophet says, just as the Torah is not understood by one who is irritable only reveal myself to one who is not irritable. They did not mention Torah commandments, but positive character traits. Direct your attention to these words of mine and you will certainly succeed."
Rabbi Moshe of Coucy, author of "Sefer Mitzvoth Gadol" which enumerates the 613 commandments, tells of a certain voice he heard while dreaming one night: "You forgot the most important matter, be careful lest you forget." He then looked closely and found that this dream was referring to the words of the Rabbis: Where do we find a warning against those who have bad manners? From the verse, "[Be careful lest you forget God your Lord...] But your heart may then grow haughty and you may forget God your Lord" (Deuteronomy 8:11, 14). And wherever it says "be careful lest" or "do not" there is a negative commandment, and from here there is a warning not to be proud, and this is the important matter that he forgot.
Hence, as noted, good character traits constitute the foundation for the performance of commandments, and without such traits it is impossible to uphold the commandments. All the same, it is important to remember that they are only preparation for the commandments and that the commandments themselves constitute the highest level of perfection. It is impossible to stop at good character traits, the performance of justice, and the love of kindness. These are mere human imperatives. The commandments are superlative Divine tutelage which elevate the Jew to an exalted level, for one cannot approach the Almighty but via the actions which He Himself commands.
In sum, good character traits, justice, love of kindness, humility, a good heart, love of God's creatures, a positive outlook – all of these qualities constitute a necessary foundation, and they are the substructure upon which one constructs the complete edifice, complete service of God - the fulfillment of God's precepts.
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
