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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Laws of Shabbat
- Praying, Kiddush and the Meals
It is also reasoned that since one recently "vayechulu" in the synagogue while standing it can now be recited at home while sitting. 3 Sitting for kiddush also complies with the view which requires that everyone who is being included in the recitation of a blessing be seated together as it is being recited. 4 When people are seated together they appear more as a unified group than individuals who are standing around randomly do. For this reason some suggest sitting for havdalla, as well. 5
On the other hand, those who stand for kiddush do so out of respect for Shabbat, which is compared to a bride. According to some authorities, it is specifically when we recite (or hear) kiddush that we formally receive the Shabbat bride. 6 It is argued that just as one stands for the blessings recited for the bride under the chuppa one should also stand for kiddush which is essentially a blessing for the Shabbat bride. This was the custom of the kabbalists. 7 According to this approach, standing around the table for kiddush demonstrates that the kiddush is a component of the meal just as much as sitting does. 8 This is the view of the Rambam who writes explicitly in the laws of Sukkot that when one recites kiddush on Sukkot one is to stand for the kiddush component and then sit for the "leishev basukka" blessing. 9 It was also the practice of the Arizal to stand for kiddush. 10
Additionally, it is argued that the "vayechulu" paragraph which opens the kiddush is actually a type of testimony – testifying that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh – and halacha requires that testimony always be given while standing. 11 Once one is already standing for vayechulu, the custom evolved to remain standing for the rest of kiddush, as well. Furthermore, the first letter of the first four words of the kiddush ("Yom Hashishi Vayechulu Hashamayim") spell out the name of God which is reason enough to stand for kiddush. 12
All customs are halachically valid. 13
^ 1.Pesachim 101.
^ 2.Kolbo 4; Mishna Berura 271:46.
^ 3.Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 271:19.
^ 4.Berachot 43a; Tur, OC 274.
^ 5.Tosfot, Berachot 43a.
^ 6.Bava Kamma 32b; Igrot Moshe, OC 5:16.
^ 7.Aruch Hashulchan, OC 271:24.
^ 8.Beit Yosef, OC 271; Mishna Berura 271:46.
^ 9.Rambam, Hilchot Sukka 6:12; Mishna Berura 643:4.
^ 10.Kaf Hachaim, OC 271:64; Shulchan Aruch Ha'arizal 271:6; Rivevot Ephraim 4:97:18.
^ 11.Mishna Berura 271:45.
^ 12.Minhag Yisrael Torah, OC 271:12.
^ 13.Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchata 47:28; Rivevot Ephraim 4:97:31.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
