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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Imagination and intellect may seem to be two separate things, and often they are indeed very contradictory. However, they do share elements and are actually of one category of existence.
A person’s internal spiritual side starts the essential development of an idea with imagination. The matter then matures until it reaches the level of a matter of the intellect. It turns out then that the intellect is but a fruit that matured from a seed that started to grow in one’s imagination.
Therefore, the whole wonderful matter of seeking truth is not intended to uproot the existence and influence of the imagination but to find how it is compatible with the intellect in one’s midst. When imagination connects nicely to the intellect, it improves the intellect and makes it more pleasant and brings to the fore great lights and the deepest treasures of the intellect. The completeness of this compatibility is seen in the most complete revelations of the human spirit, the highest of which is Divine Spirit and prophecy. In these spiritual sources, everything comes from all-encompassing completeness. Ideas are taken from the world that includes all matters and are revealed by the light of divine completeness, which appears to those who are capable of grasping divine matters.
The simple meaning of a biblical text can often be a façade that imagination allows to express an internal idea, which is much deeper than that which is displayed. Nevertheless, there will be no discrepancy between them, but there is full and internal compatibility. In the spiritual world, spiritual valor is most completely revealed when it paves a path by removing from its way difficult impediments that darken its light. This includes the impediment of intellectual mistakes that darken the light of the intellect. It also includes coarse animalistic inclinations, which lower and distort the holy desire hidden in the depth of the soul. The pure and gentle internal force, which has sanctity from Above, goes from potential to actual when it defeats the forces that stand up against it. It reaches a higher level than it could have had the path been clear without impediments.
Similarly, the defeat of enemies of Hashem, who oppose goodness and justice, is something that gives a crown of valor that acts as an adornment. The metaphorical use of a sword in spiritual matters does not only represent a practical step but hints at the presence of a human elevation of the spirit. The idea that valor in matters of Torah can be described by fastening a sword to smite spiritual impediments by increasing the light of truth and justice, is linked to the idea that divine spirit values the grandeur of valor. Thus, for this to be a good metaphor, it must be that the sword is viewed as an adornment because we are using it to describe a great thing – complementing that which is seen with the imagination with the high level of that which emerges from the intellect. That is why the metaphor must pass the test of "a pasuk is not to be totally removed from its simple meaning." Even if the generations are improved and internal matters will be the most important thing in the broadest segments of society, there will still be some place and value for lowly imagination, which corresponds to the simple meaning of a pasuk.
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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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.
