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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Igrot Hare’aya
Recipient: Rav Tzvi Shimon Horowitz, a distinguished kabalist and founder of the Yeshivat Mekubalim in Jerusalem, Sha’arei Hashamayim
Body: I received your valued letter along with a copy of your important sefer, Kol Mevaser. With great joy I read that Hashem has redeemed His nation and the sound of the knocking of our Beloved can be heard in our fortress, the Holy City of Jerusalem, awakening the love and encouraging us to cling to the tree of life. I was also overjoyed to hear about the joining of pure Jews to dedicate themselves to the study of the wisdom of truth (Kabalistic study), which will emit a special light and cause salvation to flourish. My thanks to Hashem that unique, holy individuals in Jerusalem are inspired to do so. You have a special merit in facilitating such activity, exciting pure hearts and strengthening those who waver with the words of your holy book, which encourages people to set regular sessions for the study of the Torah of truth.
Igrot Hare’aya (200)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
52 - Spread the Tzaddik’s Teachings, Not His Asceticism
53 - In Favor of Studying Kabala Seriously
54 - Incorporating Secular Studies in Rabbinic Curriculum
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However, for the choice few who are capable of approaching Hashem and arousing the hearts to inspire closeness to Him, it is a holy obligation to pronounce loudly that which the angel-like early teachers of Kabala said. Namely, a wise and pure-hearted person who is prepared and motivated to study the pure, hidden truths of Kabala should make it the main focus of his studies. Then he earns the crown of achievement in the world of internal Torah. He should also set times for the study of Tanach, Mishna and Talmud, halachic matters, and homiletical sections of the Talmud. Then he will succeed in attaining the hidden lights of truth. This is especially true of scholars above the age of fifty/sixty who are satiated with knowledge of basic Torah texts and skills. For them, Hashem’s voice calls out powerfully to act on His behalf to increase the number of "soldiers of the war of the books" to spread the hidden light.
It is almost impossible to capture the hidden light with a dull mind, without the finest characteristics and a deep relationship with Hashem. Therefore, one must prepare by studying on a simple level the writings of homiletics, ethics, and character improvement written by the great rabbis of the generations. The better one learns those matters the greater the capacity in the hidden Torah. However, the young who do not feel the interest or spirituality needed for the internal light, should feel obligated to take part in at least an hour or two daily of classes on Kabala. Over time, their minds will broaden, they will succeed in classical Torah study, and, as they grow older, their love for esoteric matters will increase like a flame’s light. They will cling to the "tree of life," enjoying its shade and fruit. They will provide new light with special books and elevate and adorn Israel, especially inhabitants of the Holy Land, the place from which light emanates to the world for nations to see.
Rav Kook ends with blessings to Rav Horowitz and his disciples.
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
P'ninat Mishpat Payment for Not Clearing Warehouse On Time – part II
based on ruling 75076 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat Profits from Formerly Joint Swimming Pool – part
(based on ruling 81110 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Limits of Interest Rate for Loan with Heter Iska – part II
based on ruling 80033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat A Commercial Rental for a Closed Business – part II
based on ruling 80047 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Igrot Hare’aya Maintaining a Friendship of the Spirit – #266 – part III
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook; Date and Place: 11 Shevat 5670, Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part II
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Language of Instruction for Rav Kook’s Yeshiva – #325
Date and Place: 4 Elul 5670 (1910), Yafo
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
