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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: There are two purposes for building. There is the utilitarian purpose, to create something that protects from cold and rain. The second purpose is to broaden man’s thought process by taking a functional building and making it one that has grandeur and glory. This is described by the pasuk "Like the grandeur of man to live in a house" (Yeshayahu 44:13). The main unique strength of mankind is that his life is founded upon spirituality. Therefore, even those things that are done in order to provide necessities and bring benefits in the simple physical world can go and rise up to the level of grandeur, which uplifts the human spirit. This results in all sorts of elements of improved life. At the end of the process, when all the "impurities are burnt out of material" (i.e., man is adorned), they will be able to bring all of mankind to a lofty level, which is the goal of the foundation of grandeur that lays in the soul of man. For this reason, this second level of building was present in the first creation of the "eternal building" (based on the reference to Chava found in sheva berachot) which man has (i.e., from whom all future generations will come). It was at this point that this reliable foundation was set (i.e., the functional building is not sufficient, but it is worthwhile for it to be adorned). This raises the emotions from the lower level of the natural power, which the animalistic side requires, to the higher level of grandeur, which softens and elevates matters. This is the foundation behind the world of building in all of its meanings, based on his internal value. It is for this reason that the first building was described as "Hashem built the rib," as it represents the grandeur which was present in the process of building by the Creator, the One who made the form. This founded life that keeps the world continuing with the kindness of the G-d of the universe, Who prepared all future generations by decreeing the world into existence. This is the background of Hashem braiding Chava’s hair and presenting her to Adam. It was in this way that the idea of beauty was imprinted upon the nature of the world. It is the emotional element that is added to the necessary part of that which was built. It is for this reason that braiding and sticking down the hair are on practical halachic grounds considered within the halachic category of the Shabbat prohibition of building.
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
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
