YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The highest level of sanctity is the expression of complete life to its fullest degree. Tiredness, similar to sadness, disturbs the lofty and pure expansion of sanctity. Particularly lofty thoughts and deep feelings, which cannot be held back within boundaries, cannot expand with full impact when one’s spirit is tired. Being tired and weary strengthens the "teeth" of the spiritual Amalek, which does not fear Hashem (based on Devarim 25:18).
It is better for impactful, sacred events to be delayed slightly until the tired regain strength and the weak say, "I am strong now." One should feel his power, starting with the power of the flesh and blood, upon which the strength of the spirit and the soul can rest.
During the time of weakness, an event’s imprint may provide a false message, making people believe that Hashem prefers weakness and life without initiative. Therefore, one should wait until the point that the strength of the body and spirit return to their secure path. Then, the spiritual event will be received like raindrops on grass on the blessed "young vegetation." For this reason, during the first day of the week, which is clouded by weakness, Hashem did not say anything to the people because of their weariness from the road.
By the time Monday came, the people were ready to receive the promise of segula (a special status as a unique nation). This crucial status of segula, which was a basic goal of the emerging nation, was ready to be bestowed when the preparations were complete. However, even before this happened, the potential for segula already existed. Therefore, already on Monday, before all the steps that the nation took [to prepare for the receiving of the Torah] to be ready for the great light and when they took control of life, the proclamation of the nation’s imminent segula status was already announced.
The goal of the segula and lofty sanctity found expression on the national level, first and foremost, as the pasuk says: "You shall be for Me a kingdom of priests." This means that they should be teachers and special guides for the whole world. This requires them to be holy in their external and internal lives, both on an individual and a national level. They would reach the greatest of these statuses only at a later time, and Hashem’s providence focuses upon guiding the world until it He has led it to that point. The final actuality is rooted in the initial thought, even though in order to realize it, one has to traverse complex roads. Both positive and negative preparatory experiences are needed to bring it about.
Dispute and gehinom (purgatory) were created on the second day (Bereishit Rabba 4:6). These are two rungs upon which one has to tread in order to make it to the summit of the goal. But "Hashem’s word shall stand forever" (Yeshayahu 40:8). Before we even performed the matters of preparation and action, we were already promised what would happen at the End of Days. The potential for these spiritual attainments were the segulot that were there from the outset. "You shall be for Me a kingdom of priests" was said on Monday.
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
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.
