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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Holy (kodesh) and mundane (chol) are interconnected. Without kodesh there is no value to chol, whereas the former elevates life to the level that the latter can be used in a proper way, as the mundane also contains sparks of sanctity. Generally, things follow a set pattern. The mundane exists, does what it needs to, and enables sanctity to shine upon it at the right time.
A person who is involved in all of this can be confident that the mundane can bring the sacred. This works as long as the individual goes along with society, as existence of the world gives spiritual expression to everything in the world, connecting things to the "general path." Providence will not allow him to remain in the middle of the way, to be entrenched in chol without a prospect of its turning into kodesh. This is because "general sanctity" is prepared to shine on all around it at the right time, without the individual having to do something specific to reach it.
Someone who is separated from the activity of the community, for example, if his harsh conditions required him to embark on treks to isolated places, is in a different situation, which has two elements. The hidden character of his soul, as a member of the community and one who enjoys the spiritual advantages thereof, can take an approach that connects to general existence. He can follow the example of the creation of the world, in which chol came first and the light shone after the dark after chol prepared the way for it.
However, if one wants to be sure to be connected to sanctity, not only in terms of what he desires, but also in terms of practicality, it is dangerous to begin with the mundane. This is because he can get bogged down in the chol so that the light of sanctity will be totally hidden from him. If he is acting as an individual, he should follow the lead of Adam, who first was connected to Shabbat, and as a result, the subsequent chol was full of grandeur. He will thereby avoid sinking into the depths of chol, lacking the glory of kodesh.
Separation from being part of a group has its impact on a person by removing the assurances given to the community. This is the case whether he is forced to go on a lonely route or whether he purposely separates himself by going to a desert for its lifestyle, which enables him to avoid the complications of dealing with people of the prevalent cultures of the time, which prevent the life of sanctity from being revealed. Even in the latter case, where his intentions were nobler than those of the masses, such a loner does not have a strong assurance of success. For the greatest promise of spiritual success is in being connected to the whole unit. One then follows the established path instead of having to agonize over whether to take the path of putting the chol before the kodesh or the kodesh before the chol to ensure that the chol will be elevated.
"My foot stood on straight ground; I will bless Hashem in congregations" (Tehillim 26:12). "Hashem sat individuals in a house" (ibid. 68:7).
Ein Ayah Receivers’ Advantages over Doers- Better to Make Changes in Heaven?
Condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 9:93-94
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.
