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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Passover - Pesach
- The Month of Nissan
The clock has been changed to summertime and that, together with the natural progression of the sun, gives us more daylight when we can use it most. Naturally, the wonderful climate of Israel is beginning to respond with warmer days and pleasant nights. In short, things are beginning to look up.
All indications are that the vaccine program has been successful and that slowly but steadily we are gaining the upper hand against the scourge of the Corona plague. It may be boastfully premature to claim complete victory in this matter, however, I think that we all feel that finally there is light at the end of the tunnel and that the Lord will help us in emerging from the darkness that has engulfed us over this past 16 months. The warmth of the spring sun and of the revival of our flowers and foliage certainly has a different feel to it this spring than it did a year ago. It helps make springtime in Israel this year the favorite season for this hopeful and thankful citizen.
I hope that springtime will also bring a measure of stability as far as our political life and government is concerned. Since the political structure in Israel is so fractured and unfortunately driven by strong egos and stubborn personalities, we have been forced to undergo several years of complete governmental instability at a time when stabilizing this country regarding the challenges that face it would have seemed to be the primary requisite.
As I write this article, I have no idea as to what the result of this fourth election in a very short period of time is or will be. All the polls indicated that the split in the country regarding the continuation of the current Prime Minister in office is deep, rigid, and pretty much even. As such, we can very well again be faced with a patchy coalition that cannot and will not long endure. This seems to be the case, no matter which side of the argument regarding the Prime Minister and his continuation in office prevails in the election. The weakness of government over the past year and a half has exhausted the resilience of the general public. The ability of Israeli society to continue to maintain both public and private life, despite, or perhaps because of, the absence of strong political leadership is indeed impressive. All of us here in Israel know we are going to experience interesting times ahead, but that we will somehow succeed, survive, and prevail.
The beauty of nature here in our holy country is nowhere more exhibited in its full glory as it is during the springtime. Our small country contains myriad forms of plant life and animal species. It has varied climates within a few short miles of each other and the blessings of the Mediterranean sun, mostly more moderate than other countries in our area of the world.
I see a woodpecker hard at work on a tree outside my home, and after years filled with persistence and industry, I wonder in amazement at this creature of God. Our neighborhood here in Rechavia is blessed with fascinating bird life. I have been able to notice it more closely lately because I wait outside my home for my wonderful friends who drive me to the synagogue daily. As I wait, I can observe birds in the trees that are found close to my home. The variety of sounds has increased now that springtime has arrived. They, too, thrive in the light and warmth of the new season. I often wonder what they think of me standing there looking at them. In the main, I am convinced that they ignore me, and confirm my opinion that in many respects these birds, as well as the animals are smarter than we humans.
But, I am very happy to be able to share springtime with them. The fact that the great holiday of Pesach falls in the springtime only enhances my contentment at the arrival of this blessed season.
Igrot Hare’aya Improving New Yishuv More Practical than Alternatives
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook #107
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.
