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Beit Midrash
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The following explanation may be close to the truth. Man has the power to desire something strongly, and man has the power to carry it out. On a theoretical basis, the two are directly connected to each other. When a person wants something, he will carry through on it. However, in practice there is a big difference between desire and actualization. There are many things that we know are good and worthwhile and yet they remain within the realm of plans that one would like to do … but does not do them. This is because carrying out things requires effort, giving up on conveniences, and overcoming obstacles. To overcome these, good will is insufficient.
We remember well the days of struggle against the British Mandate before the establishment of the State. The struggle was very, very difficult and included a lot of "inconvenience." Yet, the Jewish inhabitants of Eretz Yisrael stood up to the challenge nobly. They were willing to pay the price, whatever was necessary to reach the goal. In contrast, from the time of the establishment of the State, we have often seen a relaxation of the tension, a weakening of resolve, and a lack of carrying out of that which needs to be done. It is not that there is no possible way to succeed but is due to a lack of stubbornness to get the job done at any price. What caused the difference? It is because at the time of the establishment of the State, the question was raised in the sharpest manner, as people felt that there was no alternative. It was clearly a make or break situation. As people used to say: "We have a secret weapon, whose name is aleph bet: ein bereira (there is no choice)." As they would say in the Navardok Yeshiva: "When there is a possibility to pass, it is necessary to pass; and when it is necessary, then it is possible."
The same attitude is true regarding the acceptance of the Torah. Certainly, Bnei Yisrael’s unanimous response of na’aseh v’nishma (we will do and hear) was sincere and expressed the people’s good will. However, Hashem knew the characteristic of the people and that not much later they would dance around the Golden Calf. After all, there is a great distance between the theoretical and the practical. It is easy and pleasant to dance around the calf, and it is difficult to "kill oneself in the tent of Torah." Therefore, there is a need for Divine Assistance, help which comes to one who is sincere in his desire to follow the straight path. This is what Chazal described as holding the mountain over their head. In other words, Hashem was telling them that not just good will would get them to accept the Torah, but that actually there is no choice. Israel’s existence depends on the extent to which they accept the Torah. The feeling of ein bereira gives the good will the ability to carry out their desire in practice.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.