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Last time we highlighted two p’sukim that demonstrate the centrality of hearing even above seeing. One is Hashem’s assertion that at Sinai we "heard the sound of words" instead of seeing pictures (Devarim 4:12). The other is from Tehillim (40:7-8): "You formed ears for me … then I said, I come with a book written about me."
We continue along these lines with ideas from Rav David Cohen (the Nazir). He cites the Spanish philosophers who were influenced by Plato, who preferred the sense of seeing (aesthetics) over the sense of hearing. In contrast, the Jewish scholars of the Mussar Movement preferred hearing to seeing, "because the heard word is more clear and clean." The Nazir cites also Rabbeinu Yona of Gerona (several Rishonim lived in this Spanish city) in Shaarei Teshuva, who says that "the eye is very important, but the ear is more important. " Rabbeinu Bachyei (Kad Hakemach 7) writes similarly and connects it to the halacha that one who makes someone deaf must compensate the person’s full worth (Bava Kama 85a). See similar opinions in the Yaavetz (Avot 6:2) and the introduction of Orchot Tzaddikim.
The Nazir explains that what makes these senses special is that they help one acquire intellectual matters, which make a person complete. This is in line with the pasuk in Mishlei (20:12): "The ear hears and the eye sees, Hashem did both of these," mentioning the ear first. A similar phenomenon is found in Mishlei 15:31, and in Shir Hashirim 2:14, it says "…for your voice is sweet," and only afterward, "your appearance is pleasant."
We started our discussion with hearing the voice of the one G-d, and we finish our discussion with the sweet voice of Am Yisrael. We will continue with those themes next week.
As we have mentioned in the past, both from a biological and a linguistic perspective, the ear has a connection with balance. When extreme people do not listen to each other properly, dangerous situations develop. There is a need to find a balance between belief in Hashem and belief in the special qualities of the whole Jewish nation, as the Rabbis teach us: "All of Israel has a portion in the World to Come."
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.
