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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: There are two sides to the inclination to beauty – a positive and a negative one. On the one hand, it uplifts the soul and has a good and honorable impact on the eyes that see it. On the other hand, a person could become lost in it, thereby losing his basic reason for his success. The basis of a person’s internal success is his realization that his happiness is always to be found within himself, his heart and soul. He should not seek it from others.
The inclination toward beauty enslaves a person to others, as most aesthetic things depend on the eye of the beholder. This distances a person from the way of truth and true fear of Heaven, which is based on the lofty idea of "the candle of Hashem is the soul of man who searches the inner chambers" (Mishlei 20:27). The highest goodness derives from one’s internal integrity, based on his deep desire for goodness, justice and integrity, not by finding favor in the eyes of others.
Therefore, both inclinations must find things to strengthen them. Those who seek beauty, to find favor in the eyes of others, benefit not only from the uplifting nature of the beauty. It also develops and enhances society, as it makes people interdependent one on another regarding matters they have agreed upon.
However, there are unique individuals whose focus is on their own self-improvement, piety, and sanctity. Only indirectly will great goodness come from these holy people to society in general. They bring great benefit to the broad society. These people do not influence others by their actions, but by their essence, as opposed to those who influence by their actions.
It is more fitting for those hidden people, whose goodness resonates when they are inwardly focused, to despise beauty and splendor, nullifying any search for finding favor in the eyes of their surroundings. This inclination toward absolute truth will bring forth an abundance of good, peace and inner tranquility, as well as holiness of the heart and a depth of the soul.
There are others whose purpose is to influence directly through actions and speech. Those, who impact the world directly, are by nature connected to this world. Bringing goodness and honor through beauty is part of their holy service. They need to wash their faces, hands and feet in honor of their Creator, for this is the honor of Hashem. This good influence of holy people, righteous and wise Jews, has a great impact on others. This will increase the attribute of shame, as everyone will find themselves enslaved to a society that does right and good. This benefit outweighs the detriment of those who try to use external beauty to blind the other’s eye, and lose all sense of their inner self, which is given to each individual person.
Through these two inclinations together, the good and right things will emerge. "These and these are the words of the living G-d."
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
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.