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Beit Midrash
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The problem with anger is not the criticism that it expresses; the problem is the loss of control and the sense of chaos. In the language of our sage, constructive criticism is referred to as "strictness". To strictly adhere is from the root K.P.D., i.e., to cut ("cut off his head"). When someone is strict, that is, "cuts" and precisely defines their criticism, this is control of anger. When someone constantly (!) criticizes and denies reality, belittles the public, calls for civil disobedience and breaking dishes – this is a sign that they have some unsolved problem which they are taking out on the world. Since it is not good for them, they constantly explain – whether they are in power or not – why it is not good in the country.
This morning I read several lines in the writings of Rabbi Kook, sentences that were written around a hundred years ago but seem to accurately describe the past week: "When we see a group or party always speaking its words angrily, we have a sign, that they have no logic, they have no content to fill their own emptiness, and is actually angry with themself, but egoism comes and forces it to impose the venom of its anger on others" (Orot HaKodesh [The Lights of Holiness] 3, 143).
This principle is also true in our personal life.
Rabbis in Midrash
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D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
