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The usual translation of "tamim" is "simple;" (as usually found in Hagadot, the Tam is the "simple" son). But the standard dictionary defines the word "simple" as "foolish or gullible," as in the children’s poem "Simple Simon," where, among other things, the silly Simon collects water not in a pail, but in a sieve where all the water leaks out. Is it feasible that one of our Jewish children would be "simple?!"
Surely the Torah means something else.
Our Sedra contains the prohibition of seeking out astrologers or fortune tellers who claim to know the future, or say they can predict what times are fortuitous, & what times are dangerous. We are not allowed to employ their services. But there is a dispute between Rambam & Ramban as to what we should do if a bona-fide astrologer comes to us & warns us of some impending danger.
The Ramban says we must heed their warning, based on the verse, "And you should not test Hashem your G-d;" inferring that perhaps G-d sent this person to us & we should "play it safe" by listening. But Rambam sternly disagrees. "All these people are phony," he warns, but even if they somehow do know something, you should rely only on Hashem, & he then quotes our pasuk, "Tamim tih’ye im Hashem Elokecha." (Of course, help from legitimate sources, such as doctors – like Rambam himself - would not only be permissible, but mandatory).
The Torah uses the word "tam" in reference to two righteous individuals, Noach & Yakov: "Noach ish tzadik, tamim haya b’dorotav;" & "Yakov ish tam, yoshayv ohalim." What, if anything, connects these two disparate personalities?
I want to suggest that both Noach & Yakov, perhaps more than anyone else in all the Chumash, endured immense trials & tribulations. Noach saw the entire world destroyed, & then was cruelly abused by his own child. Yakov was forced to leave his home at a young age, lost his beloved Rachel suddenly, & then had to deal with the (apparent) death of his favorite son. How could any normal person survive these terrible traumas? How can WE survive our own traumas, G-d forbid?
The only way is by remaining a "tam," by placing all our trust, all our hope, all our fear & anger & despair in G-d. Where education & erudition end, Emuna begins; that is the time when sophistication must give way to simplicity and with it, hopefully, serenity.
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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.