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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.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
