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Beit Midrash
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- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: There is a broad rule that matters of a lesser level that are part of the process of human development precede matters that are of a greater level. The idea is that the lower level is the base for the higher one and, therefore, must precede it.
Tefillin are a special covenant with Israel, a testament to their distinctiveness as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation," as singled out by the Master of All. Therefore, the path they are to follow and the morality required of them are loftier than that which is required of all other nations and cultures. "He did not do so for all nations, and He did not inform them of the statutes" (Tehillim 147:20).
There is a level of proper behavior in the realm of human dignity and purity of characteristics, which every nation should strive for. This includes a person favoring cleanliness and rectitude in that which can be sensed and felt and in openly hating evil and iniquity. Thus, the seven Noahide Laws are geared toward that aim. In order to achieve natural morality, one does not have to have lofty spiritual aspirations. However, his body should be clean from the filth of evil that can specifically affect predators and wild pigs (a hint at the Romans).
Therefore, in order for one to ascend to the mountain of Hashem to connect to the lofty morality that relates to the elevated sanctity that is possessed in tefillin, one has to have a clean body. In other words, he is building on a base of natural morality, not polluted by bad actions and attributes, which are an abomination to a person in terms of his human image.
Once the natural physical morality is taken care of, a member of Bnei Yisrael who wants Hashem’s name to be called upon him, needs to elevate himself through the depth of lofty sanctity that is revealed by the sanctity and uniqueness of Israel. To "go up to the mountain" of lofty morality, one uses wings, which elevate the spirit of the member of the Jewish nation who already acquired physical correctness. He cannot reach a lofty spiritual level while he is significantly deficient in matters of his natural status. Rather, his ability to withstand difficulties in trying times depends on the connection between his nature and the sacred things for which he strives. The stronger and more connected his spiritual efforts are, the more he will be able to withstand the stormy sea of troubles.
Who is able to fully recognize the impact that tefillin have over him? After all, it can take us far beyond simple levels of morality and have us fly among lofty levels of spirituality. It takes someone who has completed his natural morality and then discerns that despite the good that this entails, the spirit is still waiting for so much more, namely, spiritual morality that emanates from the Torah. Such a person has a clean body and he is an owner of tefillin who also possesses wings. His physical side will not drag him down, and he will find himself to be full of strength even in dangerous times. When he comes face to face with the Roman regime, he is rightly called a possessor of wings, which are a sign of his body’s purity and cleanliness.
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
Ein Ayah Human Parenthood – Raising Coarse Physicality into Spiritual Light
condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 9:102
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.
