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Beit Midrash
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Ein Ayah: [Rav Kook is bothered why it is that the beracha is on a singular light, considering that the mitzva is to light multiple candles. Presumably the question is due to the fact that there are multiple days, as on any given day there is not an outright obligation to light more than one candle and on the first day there is only one candle.]
Chanuka is positively influenced by the loftiest future, as we said (see Ein Ayah, Shabbat 2:8) when explaining the significance of the word Chanuka, which is related to the word chinuch (education). Chanuka conjures up all the individual lights that need to illuminate the nation: the light of Torah, the light of prophecy, the light of wisdom, the light of justice, the light of bravery, the light of joy, the light of loving-kindness, the light of love, and other similar concepts.
All of these individual lights seem to be independent and separate from each other, only before the highest purpose of life is recognized. It is sometimes important for these lights to stand separately so that the special form of each one of them will not be blurred by their being mixed in among the others.
On the other hand, there are times in which the separation between the different lights (i.e., the concepts that they represent) can bring philosophical disputes. One person will be particularly attracted to one of the lights to an extreme, and it will appear to him that someone who is drawn primarily to a different light is slighting the light that appeals most to him and whose grandeur is clearest to him. In some ways, this can actually be good, as the devotees of each light will take steps to show the greatness and significance of their ideal. When this is done for each light, the intensity of appreciation of each one expands, and, therefore, in all, there is great development of each light.
However, the separation of the lights will not remain forever, for as long as there is a lack of philosophical unity, sanctity cannot be well-based in the world. The greatest blessing is peace, and, in the future, this will be attained when there will be a clear recognition to all that the ostensibly individual lights are actually just one light. That is the reason that we do not refer, in the beracha, to the lights of Chanuka. It is because Chanuka is spiritually connected to the distant very lofty future, when Hashem’s greatness will be transcendent in the world. In deference to that future time of philosophical unity we refer to the light of Chanuka.
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
