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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Moshe Refael ben Menachem Mendel
While it is true that the behavior of a pious person is thoroughly virtuous and refined, his real greatness lies in the fact that his intentions are entirely altruistic; he is not interested in bettering himself, but wishes only to bring pleasure to the Almighty. Another important intention harbored by the pious is their concern for the welfare of the entire generation, the entire nation, their desire to protect and bestow merit upon everyone.
The concern of the pious knows no bounds and includes even the base and far-removed elements of society. This, in fact, is God's will: He wants the pious of Israel bring merit to, and atone for, the other levels of the nation. It is thus written, "Say ye of the righteous, that it shall be well with him; for others shall eat the fruit of their doings" (Isaiah 3:10). The generation enjoys his fruits.
Pathways in Personality Development (52)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
39 - 39. For the Sake of God's Honor
40 - 40. The Lofty Service of the Pious
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This idea is likewise echoed in the words of the sages with regard to the four species: They reflect four layers within Israel. Let those who bereft of Torah and virtuous deeds come and atone for those bereft of Torah and virtuous deeds, for God desires not the destruction of the wicked, but obligates the pious to do their best to merit and atone for them.
This must be the inner intention of a pious person while serving God, yet it must also be explicitly expressed in his prayers. That is, he must pray for the sake of the entire generation, atoning for those who need atonement, reaching out to those who must repent, coming to the defense of the entire generation. To Gideon, who came to the defense of Israel, it was said, "Go forth with this strength of yours and save Israel," i.e., go forth by virtue of your defense of Israel.
Ramchal, R' Moshe Chaim Luzzato, puts it this way:
"For God loves only those who love Israel, and the more one magnifies his love for Israel, the more God magnifies his love for him. These are the true shepherds of Israel whom God cherishes, for they sacrifice themselves on behalf of His flock, seeking out and intervening on behalf of their peace and welfare in whatever manner possible, forever filling the breach to pray for them, to nullify harsh decrees, and to open the gates of blessing for them. To what may this be likened? To a father who loves nobody more than he loves the one who loves his children wholeheartedly."
The Torah teaches that if one person kills another inadvertently, the killer is exiled to a city of refuge until the death of the High Priest. What, though, has the High Priest done? The Talmud says that he should have prayed and asked for God to have mercy upon the nation, and he did not. In other words, the High Priest is held responsible for the inadvertent killing.
The Talmud further relates that a certain man was devoured by a lion in the vicinity of R' Yehoshua ben Levi, and as a result Elijah the Prophet did not reveal himself to R' Yehoshua ben Levi for three days. Of what was R' Yehoshua ben Levi guilty? He he should have prayed for his generation, for all of those in his area.
Hence, it is the duty of a pious person to pray and go out of his way on behalf of the entire generation, to come to the defense of the entire generation. A person who behaves in such a manner is treated by God measure for measure, and judged favorably.
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
