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Beit Midrash
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- 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
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
