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Hana Bat Haim
There are a few interesting possibilities. On a practical level, the Netziv explains that Yaakov wanted the shepherds to leave so that he could have a more private, first meeting with his cousin, later to be wife. There are midrashim that say that the wait at the well was a mystical reference to a future exile of his descendents, which Yaakov was working to somehow shorten.
However, let us concentrate on the straightforward explanation, which Rashi brings from Chazal. Yaakov was disturbed by what appeared as irresponsible laziness on the shepherds’ part. If they were hired hands, they were stealing their employers’ time; if they were self-employed, then they were plain lazy. It is interesting that the Torah does not mention Yaakov’s zealousness when dealing with the likes of the treacherous and deceitful Eisav and Lavan. Yet, a lack of respect for the value of time "set him off."
This attribute of Yaakov is particularly poignant in light of our discussion of last week. As opposed to his brother, the hunter, Yaakov spent his time in the tents of Torah. He did not lounge around, but studied to an unusually intense and demanding degree (see Rashi to 28:11). However, he did not occupy himself with life outside the tent. This could be for one of two reasons. Yaakov could have adopted a philosophy that matters outside the tent of Torah are inconsequential. The longer he spent in the Torah’s light, the more he would have realized the lack of other matters’ value. On the other hand, he could have adopted a philosophy that other areas of endeavor were of value and to be taken seriously. The Torah was worth so much to him, not because nothing else counted, but because Torah counted more. To the contrary, Torah needed to prepare him to correctly and ethically do everything in his life.
The "proof in the pudding" was when Yaakov left the tent. For all of those years, he had studied how, among other things, to respect time’s value, most certainly including in the work place. The fact that he reacted to the apparent lack of workers’ dedication shows that work outside the tent was a value and that doing it ethically was critical. Yaakov did not only make demands on others. He demonstrated exemplary dedication to his job, tending to Lavan’s flock, despite the fact that he had an excuse to get even with Lavan (see 31: 38-42). This is but one lesson to learn from the "choice of the patriarchs."
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
