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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
R. Avraham Ben David
And just who are these specialists through whom one can be helped? They are people with experience who have, themselves, dealt with these problems and have overcome them; have conquered their impulses, and know how to control themselves. The experienced can give advice concerning how to overcome difficulties and to attain self control; how to promote and to maintain those faculties which are healthy. The sages explain the words of the Torah (Numbers 21:27): "'Therefore the rulers say...' - Those who rule over their base inclinations say: 'Let us enter into an accounting.' - Come, let us calculate..." Those who rule over their base inclinations can assist others by virtue of their own experience.
The decision to devote attention to the mending of character traits is, in itself, an important step, yet this alone won't bring about a revolution. What is it that stimulates man to diligently continue in the task of mending his traits? The main stimulation is awareness of the importance of mending character traits and improving one's personal nature. This awareness expands and deepens as a result of Torah study. Through the Torah one can comprehend the positive value of each good act and the severity of each bad act. The better a person understands the significance of each and every act, each and every utterance, and each and every thought, right down to the most trivial notion; the more a person is aware of the value of his actions and their significance - the more he will strive to direct his actions towards kindness, and to distance himself from every unfavorable deed.
Pathways in Personality Development (52)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
2 - 2. Introspection
3 - 3. "Zehirut"- Inhibiting and Contributing Factors
4 - 4. The Impact of Man's Actions on the World
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Conversely, there are three things which prevent man from attaining the attribute of zehirut . The first factor is preoccupation. One who is continuously preoccupied and busy, finds no time to sit down and think about himself. Therefore, one who wishes to work on improving his character traits must set aside time from his business and devote attention to this task.
The second factor is sarcasm and mockery. One who has accustomed himself to laugh off everything does not examine things as they actually are. Sarcasm and mockery are sometimes employed because of a desire to escape reality, it being too difficult to deal with. Yet, clearly, by running away from reality nothing is solved. Sarcasm and mockery are traits from which one must distance himself, for they, like drunkenness, make it difficult for a person to judge things in an accurate manner.
The third inhibiting factor is society. In a negative or superficial environment it is very difficult to go against the flow. Therefore, one who wants to improve himself, should withdraw from a poor environment, and affix himself to the Torah, for it leads to zehirut .
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
