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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
Rabbi Kook writes of himself (Shemoneh Kevatzim 1: 295), "I am full of courage and freedom. Cowardice robed in 'fear of heaven' cannot lead me astray."
The universe was created for us to interact with it, and, according to the Sages, in the World to Come we will have to give account for everything which we saw in this word and did not derive benefit from. However, one must know how exactly to interact with the world.
Let us again consider the words of Rabbi Kook (ibid. 1:181): "...Look at the illumination of the Divine Presence which is in the entire universe...consider the wonders of creation, their Divine vibrancy, not as some dark and remote program standing before your eyes. Rather, know the world you live in, know yourself and your surroundings..."
Know yourself and your world, but through "eyes of sanctity," through a point of view which strives to see the Divine life therein. Because man was created in the image of God, and the Torah is his order, only an openness that employs a Torah point of view allows for true openness. Any other kind of openness will spell a divorce of man from himself, a state of being closed.
Rabbi Kook continues, warning us not to "swallow the names, the words, the idioms, and the letters."
Swallowing means eating without chewing, without digestion. The encounter must be deep, an encounter which will create a hold and an understanding. Our task in this world is not to stand on the sidelines and observe the workings of nature, technological advances, and new schools of thought, as if they were temporary phenomena, unrelated to us. Rather, we must participate. Everything in creation has something to tell us. We can learn from or make use of every facet of creation. However, as noted, all this must be carried out while viewing things through "eyes of sanctity," with the aim of embracing the good and leaving the bad.
"You possess wings for flying, the wings of a great eagle - do not ignore them, lest they ignore you. Demand them, and they will present themselves to you in an instant."
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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.
