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It seems to me that the most painful part of the curse is its element of "a man … over his brother." This is itself a great curse. If there is no peace in our "encampment," if, instead of focusing all of our actions on the challenges that exist from outside, we are wasting energies on internal, pointless arguments. It is a curse if, instead of trying to support each other, we try to look for the weak point in our brethren, if the mitzva of rebuking our counterpart is applied in such a distorted manner, so that it is not to try to prevent sinning but rather to try to build oneself up on the "back" of another’s sins. This should not be blamed on this one or that one from this group or that group, but rather it is a curse in and of itself.
In contrast, when the Torah writes about bringing peace, Chazal tell us that this implies, the "peace of Torah" (Bamidbar Rabba 11:7). This is a true blessing, and it is a vessel that holds blessing. If there is no peace, there is nothing positive.
We are so drawn to dispute, as if we are dragged in without the ability to resist. It may not always look that way, but that is the way it is. It is not caused by our willfully wanting it. Rather a sin drags along a sin (Avot 4:2). What this means is that to a certain degree, we lose free will. Rashi says about the string of failures, which begins with "If you shall be repulsed by My statutes" (Vayikra 26:15) that each one of the string of seven sins drags along the other.
The first place to start to improve things is with "the toil of Torah study" (see Rashi, Vayikra 26:3). Once the toil of Torah study ceased, everything turned into politics. The misconception then is that one does not need to work hard at his Torah scholarship to make something of himself but just to work on having a sharp tongue. Once this happens, one believes that the main thing is being na’eh doresh (speaking of doing good). Then it follows that he no longer places much stock on na’eh mekayem (being good at fulfilling what he preaches).
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
