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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Igrot Hare’aya
Body : … The Rambam does not rule [according to his philosophical explanation in Moreh Nevuchim] as practical halacha. There are other instances in which the reason he gives for a mitzva does not fit the corresponding halacha (e.g., regarding "an eye for an eye," and one who says "His mercy extends to a bird’s nest"). The Rambam posits that in philosophical matters, there is no concept of a formal ruling to follow one opinion; therefore, anyone can take a side in the matter. In contrast, there is a prohibition against straying from the accepted Halacha, [so one must conform to what has been accepted]. This is also the opinion of Chovot Halevavot in his introduction, that the prohibition against arguing on official Rabbinical rulings is only on practical matters, such as blood and blood, law and law (see Devarim 17:8). This follows the Talmud Bavli (Sanhedrin 88), which explains that Torah portion regarding practical matters. The Yerushalmi (Sanhedrin 10:3) relates "a matter" to aggadic matters, i.e., philosophy, so that the prohibition of rejecting Rabbinical rulings also applies to them.
This is the basis for the disagreement among Gaonic scholars, Rav Shrira and Rav Hai, on one side, Rav Shmuel ben Chofni and Rav Sa’adia on the other. Both sides posit words of the living G-d, and disagree along the lines of the Talmud of the West and of the East. The Rambam is like Rav Sa’adia. It is logical that although one cannot argue on a practical matter against a Talmudic conclusion, one may decide on a matter of contemplation according to an opinion that makes more sense to him, if that opinion is based on Torah rules and a Rabbinic opinion, as he explained regarding the reasoning behind mitzvot in general.
Restoration of Sanhedrin – #303
Igrot Hare’aya (200)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
203 - Advice on Studying Spirituality – #301
204 - “Rulings” on Philosophical Matters? – #302
205 - Shemitta Work at Israel National Fund Land – #
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Recipient and Background : Rav Aharon Mendel Cohen (Baharan), who left Eretz Yisrael to become chief rabbi of the Ashkenazim of Cairo. One of his books urges the restoration of the Sanhedrin.
Body : In response to your letter, I must tell you that I do not believe the time is right to make a gathering for the sole purpose of restoring authentic rabbinical ordination. People will not be responsive to this, and critics from various camps will circle in on us, and they might be correct. This generation is tremendously small, intellectually, and lowly in comparison to previous generations, with but a few exceptions. Nothing will awaken more shock and ridicule than to try to initiate something that was done and then rejected (in the 16 th Century), which is much worse than something that never came to fruition.
We should just assemble a large rabbinic convention in the Holy Land, specifically in Yerushalayim, and give it the status of a "congress." In other words, it should come faithfully every 1-3 years. It will focus on all matters of the nation that can be discussed by holy men, who truly love Hashem and His nation. If such a gathering will decide to look toward the ultimate salvation by beginning preparations for removing the impediments to semicha and develop the matter with special writings on the matter, it is possible that along with other things they will accomplish, this would be a major one. In any case, it will not be the first or last matter at the gathering.
If you accept my suggestion, [we should use] your experience with such events, such as your convention in Cracow (1903), which became well known at the time and could have had greater results had it not been interrupted. I will lend my small hand for whatever you want me to do, if it is likely to be spiritually rewarding.
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
P'ninat Mishpat Repercussions of a Sale that Turned Out Not Happening – part III
(based on ruling 83045 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Igrot Hare’aya Trying to Arrange Purchase of Land in Eretz Yisrael – part II
#229 Date and Place: 13 Tishrei 5670 (1909), Yafo
P'ninat Mishpat Who Breached the Contract? – part IV
Based on ruling 81087 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Igrot Hare’aya Departure of an Uncle to Eretz Yisrael
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook: Vol. I, #1 , p. 1-2 – part II
Igrot Hare’aya Language of Instruction for Rav Kook’s Yeshiva – #325
Date and Place: 4 Elul 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Maintaining a Friendship of the Spirit – #266 – part II
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook, Date and Place: 11 Shevat 5670, Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Excerpts of Letter on Shemitta – #289 – part I
Date and Place: 6 Nisan 5670 (1910), Yafo
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.
