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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Igrot Hare’aya
Recipient: Rabbi Yeshaya Orenstein, Rosh Yeshiva and one of the heads of the Chabad community of Yerushalayim
Body: [This a response to an apparently critical letter to Rav Kook by Rav Orenstein.]
Igrot Hare’aya (200)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
34 - Yerushalayim First and Foremost - part III
35 - The Reason to Write Philosophical Pamphlets
36 - Looking for a New Council
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Realize that my main intention with these pamphlets and all that I write is to awaken the hearts of Torah scholars, old and young, to delve into the inner teachings of the Torah. This can be with the study of mussar (ethics) in all the works of the holiest men, with mechkar (research or critical works) in which the giants of mechkar are presented, or with Kabala, in all the ways we have received as a legacy. It can be based on the approach of Rishonim or Acharonim, based on Chasidut, the Vilna Gaon, or Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzato.
It requires great diligence to study all the works along with the Zohar and the Midrashim of Chazal in breadth and in depth, to the same extent as it takes to learn Talmud and halachic works seriously. Not everyone is naturally ready for such study, and one who is not but has a sharp heart should spend his time on the intricacies of the Talmud with the standard commentaries and the halachic works. But one who is fit to learn the philosophical and kabbalistic works in depth should do so in shorter study sessions than he sets aside for innovative study of Talmudic works. In any case he should not neglect study of halachic analysis, which makes Hashem happy, while the main study should be to learn of his Maker.
Unfortunately, in our times, many youngsters are tempted by the smooth, non-traditional language of those in our nation who are disloyal to the Torah. It is therefore necessary to show the whole world that Torah scholars who deal in sanctity with the teachings of truth also know how to use linguistic effects. This was the intention of the holy Rav Luzzato when he wrote books with metaphors and catch phrases. I try to follow his lead, albeit with much less ability and success.
To have complete mastery in Torah, one also needs some types of secular knowledge, especially when having to answer the challenges of heretics, which is critical these days, as many of our great rabbis have taught. One should be careful to do this after studying Torah diligently and developing pure attributes and actions, especially avoiding anger, arrogance, and sadness (the root causes of bad characteristics) as well as learning the inner teachings of the Torah daily. After all these preparations, experience shows that he will not be harmed by secular knowledge, when it is acquired in measured amounts and for the sake of Heaven. To the contrary, it adds vigor to one’s service of Hashem, bringing him joy and a broader perspective.
If some people misunderstand and misapply my writings, it is still not sufficient for me to withhold them from those for whom they are fit, as the Rambam writes about "the ways of Hashem are straight." When one studies the inner meanings of the Torah for the right reasons, it adds light, lofty love, and spiritual joy similar to the World to Come, and makes it unnecessary to frequently employ a negative type of fear of Hashem, as it provides one with light.
This is approximately what I meant in the quote you referred to. It is wonderful to be able to view the other favorably, which elevates the honor of Hashem, the Holy Land, and its Torah scholars. I, thank G-d, do not enjoy being praised and do not get angry when I am insulted, which is a result of my study of the inner teachings of the Torah. Therefore, I feel no need to be apologetic to you and am just writing to soothe your agitation, as my goal in life is to make people happy. May Hashem bless you with a productive advanced age. May we see in the joy of Zion, …
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
P'ninat Mishpat Payments after a Gradual End of Employment
(Based on ruling 82024 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Igrot Hare’aya Trying to Arrange Purchase of Land in Eretz Yisrael
#222 Date and Place: 2 Elul 5669 (1909), Rechovot
P'ninat Mishpat Profits from Formerly Joint Swimming Pool – part
(based on ruling 81110 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
Igrot Hare’aya Description of New Yeshiva’s Goals to a Supporter – #328
Date and Place: 12 Elul 5670 (1910), Yafo
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.
