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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."
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
