YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The differences that exist between nations can be broken up into two categories.
One is that each nation has certain tendencies in its practices, which leave an imprint on all elements of their national life. All their customs, manners, and philosophies can be connected to these national characteristics.
There are matters that are within the profile of one nation and not another. Therefore, there are practices that are beneficial for one nation, yet can be destructive for another nation. That is why it is important for each nation to remain true to its character and be careful to follow its own lifestyle. They should not let in too many foreign practices, which could be damaging.
While this is true for all nations, it is even more incumbent upon the Jewish people to be careful about incorporating the practices of other nations. This is because their internal character is bestowed upon them from the experience of accepting the divine light. All of the ways of life that are fitting for them, based on all the aspirations and spiritual visions relating to Hashem, the world, humanity, and society, are unique to them in a special way. This phenomenon cannot be found in any other nation. In general, the practices of other nations are contradictory to such innate aspirations.
On the other hand, there are many matters that might find expression in each nation in a different form, but in a way that is not connected to the character of that particular nation. In that case, a specific nation may have merited, for whatever reason, to discover something that is valuable for all of humanity. Then, there is a way to do this broadly valuable thing with a general characteristic, even though it looks slightly different in different nations.
In such a case, since the need for the practice transcends nations, as it is needed by all, and the reason it was revealed has to do with all of humanity, it should not be limited to the nation which discovered it but is for all. All the nations would be wise to adopt such a practice. In that way, the nations of the world can enrich one another from their valuable cultural possessions.
This is true even if the good idea came from a spiritually debased nation (e.g., the Emorites), which is very different from the nation that needs to adopt the practice in question. The Jewish people should adopt good ideas from other nations, and when it enters our way of life, since it is fit for everyone, it can be effectively included in the nation that has as a holy characteristic.
It is for this reason that whatever is effective medically does not fall under the prohibition of following the ways of the Emorites.
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.
