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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: It is most appropriate when the essential dominion is in the hands of the most ethical people in society. However, times come when mankind deteriorates due to bad moral choices, and they cannot be led in a manner that emanates solely from a pure source. This is because they need a certain energy of life which, on their low level, seems like strong life, to take care of their social needs. Quiet ethical life will not fulfill all the tendencies of society, which has already deteriorated to the point that it is too unsettled for such leadership. This will continue until the Days to Come, when Hashem will bring a spirit of purity, sanctity and tranquility. Until then, while the leadership will be somewhat influenced by divine morality, their spirit will be more in line with that of the populace and their shortcomings.
The influence of morality must be present, even if the leaders with power will be lacking it. There must be protests against the more extreme evil tendencies of the political leaders. These protests will nudge society upwards and prevent its slide into more dangerous depths. Even though the protests are not directly effective, when they are missing, it takes away from the positive glow of the world. That would allow deterioration to continue unchecked and hamper the hope of improvement in the next generations. Therefore, it is tragic when those who have the moral standing to protest, even while lacking the practical power, fail to do so.
That is why there were complaints about the elders who were connected to the House of the Exilarch. While not possessing the power to force others to act properly, because society is often too lowly to conform, this is not an excuse to be silent. One must stand up without compromises when there is a disgrace to the honor of proper values. When these moral leaders do their part, then Hashem, who knows all the thoughts of the present and the unfolding of the future, will enable moral improvements to occur when their time comes. In any case, though, the calling out of encouragement and voicing of protest against improper things must always be present according to the depths of truth of the Torah of truth.
Therefore, if the officers separate themselves from the elders and the elders lack the power to lead because people demand physically oriented leadership as opposed to pure-minded leadership, protesting improper behavior is still the "light of the world." It puts checks on the actions of the evil in the present and creates a string of pleasantness to be emulated in the future, when things improve. Hashem will judge those elders who do not protest against the officers, as they could have painted a picture of goodness and moral rectitude. This is supposed to help hasten a time when the ultimate leader, Mashiach, will lead us in righteousness and spirituality (see Yeshaya 11).
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.
