YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Prayer
Why do some people spit while reciting "Aleinu?"
Answer:
Some people have the custom to spit at the words "shehem mishtachavim l'hevel varik umitpallelim el el lo yoshia" when reciting Aleinu. 1 It is explained that spitting after reciting this passage demonstrates one's abhorrence for idolatry. Furthermore, since speech automatically stimulates saliva, spitting at this point shows that one does not want to benefit from idolatry in any way, not even from the saliva produced at its mention!
One who chooses to spit during Aleinu should do so into a tissue or onto the ground and then immediately rub it away with one's foot so that it is not noticeable. Most authorities, however, question the authenticity and legitimacy of this custom entirely, calling it "the custom of imbeciles". 2 It is also noted that some people were spitting at the wrong passages. 3 Spitting during Aleinu was also seen by some rabbinic leaders as an unnecessary provocation of the Christians. 4 So too, spitting in a synagogue is disrespectful and possibly even forbidden according to halacha. 5 It is said that the kabbalists, including the Arizal, were very particular never to spit at all. Nevertheless, there are a number of authorities who justify the practice and a number of Chassidic communities conduct themselves accordingly. 6 Those who regularly spit regularly when reciting Aleinu should not do so when reciting it as part of the silent Mussaf on Rosh Hashana. 7
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
