YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: People’s connection to the land must be entrenched well in the beginning. At the time that those who have the characteristics to connect their most internal part of their lives to the land appear on the stage of history, it is important that no matter of spirituality hold them back. For it is only when there is a total dedication to matters of the land that a man will be prepared to penetrate into the depths of knowledge with a sense of the internal spirit to know the ways of the land and its life. He can thus be connected in a manner that is appropriate for one who was meant to "work the earth from which he was taken" (see Bereishit 3:23).
These were the first people – people upon whom the higher spirituality of Torah did not shine. They were able to be absolutely linked to the land; they were the "settlers of the land." The depth of the connection and the internal desire for the land was what brought about the penetration and the knowledge of the land’s qualities and the ability to create the first foundations for supporting the land and using it to develop its cultivation. They were able to determine which land was right for olives and which for grapes and which for figs.
Their total dedication to the land and deep connection to it caused them to have a sharp, internal and personal connection to it. It was not just a quick scan of what was needed to work the land that they possessed. Rather, since their senses were focused on it, they reached the deepest, most individual knowledge, so that they knew how to maximize the plantings. They understood the needs of olives, grapes, and figs, each according to its value. This definitely applied to the lower plants, such as grain and legumes, and the like, which are the basis of physical life.
This lower culture of mankind, as a species that cultivates and is sustained by the earth, preceded the light of Torah. In this way, the higher form already would find its strong basis in the fabric of society, upon which it can rest. The society of the land settlers needed to precede the Torah society chronologically, before the heavenly light appeared. "You have seen that I have spoken to you from the heavens" (Shemot 20:19). The people of the land, who are imbedded in the land with all of their life senses, have their spirituality leaning toward physical beauty, the happiness of the flesh, and the pleasure of the senses. The olive makes the face shine (Tehillim 104:15) – the realm of beauty. The grape is related to man’s happiness (see ibid.). The fig is the source of a type of honey, which is most beloved by one’s taste buds, which is so important to people.
More than any other, people are most concerned about grapes, because drunkenness connects physical happiness to excited imagination, so that one is ready to be motivated by other physical pleasures. That is why olive and fig are written in singular and grapes are written in plural. Indeed, many are interested in there being as many grape orchards as possible
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
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.
