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Beit Midrash
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- Igrot Hare’aya
Recipient: A young Moshe Zeidel. A close disciple of Rav Kook, from their time in Boisk, he asked Rav Kook many philosophical questions. He would become Dr. Zeidel, a philologist and philosopher.
Body: [We will see some of the questions that he asked in a letter that was for the most part a response to questions and comments of Zeidel to Rav Kook’s letter (#89).]
Igrot Hare’aya (200)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
60 - Follow-Up Questions
61 - Follow-Up Questions
62 - Questions about Torah Accounts of Creation – part I
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In order to answer the question, I need to raise the general issue of inquiring into the reasons behind mitzvot. The practical mitzvot are like the form of the letters and words through which we are able to understand the concepts. If one word would be sufficient to understand the concept, is it possible to ask why there was not also another word that could express the same idea?
Certainly, the word that is engraved with the light of the world must be seen as clearly as can possibly be. In order to fully appreciate this, we must pursue knowledge of Hashem, and the highest level of thought must be etched in the image of the choicest of people. The idea [of not mixing the morally problematic with the morally fine] is properly connected to the concept of clothing, which is something that is worn for honor and grandeur, and not just for covering up that which is unseemly or protecting from the cold. The latter are related to the low and vulnerable side of man and also come about due to moral deterioration, which we believe will be redirected positively through the power of Torah. Therefore, linen, which comes from flax, was the most adorning garment in the ancient world, and thus appropriate for the unification between practice and the very lofty concept behind it. This is better than to connect the concept to lower-level garments, which are results of necessity and weakness.
Finally I will relate to what you wrote regarding Rashi’s opinion, that Hashem remembered [at the time of Noach] the merit of the animals that did not ruin their moral standing [by interbreeding]. This merit is the foundation behind the fact that certain animals were chosen to survive and others were not. Because their moral tendencies were not subverted, they were fit to be involved in populating the world.
This has nothing to do with free choice, just as having the merit of coming from righteous antecedents has nothing to do with free choice. On the other hand, there is no basis for the claim that animals have no elements of free choice. Certainly, their free choice is much more limited than that of mankind. However, for every living thing, according to its level of advancement, there is also an element of choice that it has. This is also the foundation of its development in the future until the time about which it is said, "They will not do evil and will not destroy on My whole mountain of sanctity" (Yeshayahu 11:9).
In fact, the newest studies of the animal kingdom increasingly corroborate that which I have said, although they have actually been preceded by the Torah, by means of the prophets, at length. Indeed, the word of Hashem will remain true forever.
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
Igrot Hare’aya Departure of an Uncle to Eretz Yisrael
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook: Vol. I, #1 , p. 1-2 – part II
P'ninat Mishpat A Commercial Rental for a Closed Business – part II
based on ruling 80047 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat Payments after a Gradual End of Employment
(Based on ruling 82024 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat Repercussions of a Sale That Turned Out Not Happening – part II
(based on ruling 83045 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Igrot Hare’aya Description of New Yeshiva’s Goals to a Supporter – #328
Date and Place: 12 Elul 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya The State of Religion in Eretz Yisrael – #277 – part II
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook Date and Place: 9 Adar I 5670 (1910), Yafo
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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.
