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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).
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.