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Aside from the fact that Avraham at his core is a man of kindness, one who chases after kindness, the Torah teaches us an additional point regarding Avraham (Bereishit 18:19):
"For I have known him for he commands his sons and his household after him, to keep the way of Hashem to do righteousness and justice (tzedaka and mishpat)…"
Avraham Avinu is searching for the way of Hashem. Avraham Avinu is exploring the way of Hashem, and trying to follow it. The Gemara says that it is appropriate to do acts of kindness, in order to emulate the attributes of HaKadosh Baruch Hu (Sotah 14a):
It is also possible to understand this on a deeper level. HaKadosh Baruch Hu created man in His image, b’tzelem Elokim. That means that latent in every one of us there are divine qualities. The Gemara teaches us, that HaKadosh Baruch Hu does kindness, comforts mourners, and the like, and in so doing it teaches us that these qualities are natural to us, they are a tangible part of us.
This quality gives us a unique strength to do kindness. We do not need to acquire from outside ourselves traits of kindness. Rather, we need to reveal the qualities of kindness that exist within us.
The Rambam (Megilla V’Chanuka 2:17) writes that the greatest joy is to gladden others, to make the poor happy:
It is better for one to increase gifts to the poor, matanot la’evyonim, than for one to increase his meal and sending gifts to his friends, his mishloach manot, for there is no greater and splendid joy than to gladden the hearts of the poor, the orphans, the widows and the converts, for one who gladdens the heart of these cheerless people is likened to the Divine Presence, as it is stated, "To revive the spirit of the downtrodden and to enliven the hearts of the despondent" (Yeshayahu 57:15).
Why is the cause of the greatest joy gladdening others?
One can assume that when one finds himself in the presence of sad people, it is sad for them, too. But if he gladdens them, everyone becomes happy, which also includes him. But, in order to be happy, one doesn’t need to make others happy. One simply needs to go to a place where people are happy!
Why is there a special happiness when gladdening others? We explained previously, that HaKadosh Baruch Hu created us in His likeness, with Divine qualities. And we saw, that HaKadosh Baruch Hu has an attribute of kindness. That being the case, kindness is something natural to us. Therefore, when one performs kindness and gladdens others, they utilize their own natural qualities, and it follows that they become more complete and happier.
There is an additional explanation why one who brings happiness to others will be happier himself. One may feel a low sense of self-worth, yet when he gladdens others, one uncovers renewed strength and understands that they possess more power than they previously thought. This results in great happiness, the ability to help others more, and to be even happier.
Avraham Avinu- is the source of kindness in the world. Avraham Avinu searches for the will of G-d, and understands that the will of G-d fits our natural qualities. Avraham invests in kindness, but it is clear from all the parshiyot that it is kindness that enlivens Avraham. We shall strive to walk in the path of G-d, in the path of Torah and good deeds, in the path of kindness and justice, "’For I Hashem does kindness, justice and righteousness in the land- for these I yearned,’ such is the word of G-d." (Yirmiyahu 9:23)
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
