YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Surprising Source of Happiness
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 8:25)
Gemara: Shotita (a myrtle branch, used in dancing before a bride and groom) is similar to shetuta (silliness).
Ein Ayah: Happiness in life, which is so good and critical for a person, cannot always come by taking a clear look at what is happening in the world. Sometimes what a person sees will make him disappointed and make him declare that everything is of fleeting value [as Shlomo bemoans in Kohelet]. Matters of eternal value, which are really what makes life worth living, such as wisdom and justice, and all the good that is hidden in the light of the Torah, do not always succeed in bringing happiness to a person’s spirit. That is because a person is naturally coarse and sees a lot of the dark sides of nature.
How does one, especially a righteous person, overcome the tendency toward being morose and tap into the divinely desired state of happiness, despite all the problems? For that Hashem created shetut – silliness, lack of deep thought, and excitement of seeing the "shine" of something that makes people happy.
Even though these stimulants are fleeting, at the time they are used, they bring happiness and allow happiness to take root in the makeup of one’s life. Then one can elevate his spirit and search for joy in matters that are permanent and eternal. This is especially true regarding the foundation of truth in the world, where happiness is connected to divine wisdom, in whose abode happiness dwells.
Shotita is a special myrtle that was set aside for bringing joy to a bride and groom, which is a type of joy that epitomizes the idea of happiness about life, despite the challenges that it brings. Shetut causes the inability to distinguish between matters in a way that allows happiness, and therefore it reaches a height that great human wisdom cannot.
Cleanliness of the Hands for All
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 8:26)
Gemara: Meshichla (a big cup) represents the idea of mashi kula (all wash).
Ein Ayah: Cleanliness is always connected to purity and sanctity, whose purpose is connected to the internal element of the soul, as the pasuk says: "Your encampment shall be holy" (Devarim 23:15). The purity of the body and of the hands, which are external matters, lead one to the recognition of the purity of ideas and the good character of the heart, which brings one to involve himself in proper deeds with holy trepidation.
It is not only the uniquely pious among the nation who need to be clean. The entire community of Hashem elevate themselves to the level of one with a pure spirit. Each person should be involved in external activities that lead him to the proper internal characteristic.
Ritual washing of the hands is a matter of general importance. Whoever does not take the mitzva seriously deserves to be removed from the world (Sota 4b), whether he is rich or poor, whether he lives a life of luxury or a simple life. External purity has impact within the depth of the soul, and every internal matter of life is a legacy to all of humanity, just like air and sunlight belong to everyone. Indeed a large cup is something that reminds us of the washing of the masses.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
