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Dvorah bat Miriam
We have dealt thus far with the first two qualities: " Zehirut" and " Zerizut ."
Zehirut implies inspecting ones actions and habits, in order to determine which are good and which are not. This, then, is the first step: becoming familiar with the situation by recognizing the state of one's behavior, determining what is acceptable and what is not, and deciding what needs fixing. It is, of course, important that in addition to recognizing weaknesses, a person be aware of his good points. Exaggerated self criticism is no less dangerous than no self criticism at all, for criticism which is out of proportion causes despair, and loss of faith in one's ability to affect change. Regarding this the Rabbis said: "Judge every man favorably" - even yourself. Do not go overboard when it comes to self criticism; judge even yourself agreeably.
At first glance, close self scrutiny appears to be praiseworthy, indicative of personal integrity, honesty, and humility. Yet the truth of the matter is that exaggerated self criticism is the origin of all sin. By destroying a person's self confidence, it denies him the ability to advance, and to improve.
Pathways in Personality Development (52)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
9 - 9. Overcoming Fear
10 - 10. Self Criticism and Taintlessness
11 - 11. Clarifying "Nekiyut"
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After a person has inspected himself - recognizing his positive traits and taking comfort in them; recognizing his weaknesses and desiring to fix them - comes the second stage in Zehirut: developing the capacity to control one's self and the ability to overcome one's desires. "Who," ask the Sages "is the true hero? The one who conquers his desire !" Every victory in the battle against one's passions adds to one's strength. The individual, instead of playing slave to his evil inclinations, rules over them and becomes king over himself. The attribute of Zehirut is the first step on "the Path of the Righteous." First of all, avoid evil.
After Zehirut comes the second quality, "Zerizut." After avoiding evil comes the performance of good. Here, too, a person must first recognize his points of weakness, those weak areas which prevent him from doing good, whether it be the laziness before even beginning to act, or a lack of ability to follow through and complete good deeds. Here too one should be careful not of be overly critical. One should always strive to see his own strong points, so that they provide the encouragement necessary for him to continue and advance.
So, after pinpointing the sources of one's weakness, laziness and fear, and the hindrances which keep one from doing good, one must develop the quality of Zerizut. One does this by way of constant practice, acting with alacrity, vigor and swiftness, denying the possibility of weakness to develop. Every success brings in its trail additional successes, or, as the Talmud teaches, "Mitzvah Goreret Mitzvah" - the fulfillment of one Mitzvah (commandment), brings about the fulfillment of another. With the fulfillment of one Mitzvah, the soul is inspired, and becomes filled with energy in order to more good deeds, with alacrity and perfection.
The Ramhal , Rabbi Moshe Haim Lutzatto, we have noted in previous lessons, constructed his book according to an ancient saying by the Mishnaic sage Rabbi Pinhas Ben Yair. R' Pinhas asserts that " Zehirut" and "Zerizut" are the first two qualities which need to be cared for and established if one wishes to develop his personality. After these two qualities, comes a third. After Zehirut and Zerizut, comes the quality of "Nekiyut." This is a new stage in the advancement of the building of the soul. After initial repairs have been made comes the stage of fundamental improvement, fundamentally cleaning one's qualities of every speck of filth.
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Rabbi Moshe Haim Lutzatto - (b. Padua, Italy, 1707 c.e.; Acco, 1746) Mystic, poet and theologian. Despite the shortness of his life, the Ramhal , as he has become known, authored many works on Jewish thought and mysticism. His works are unique in that they are written in simple language, and in a style which makes them accessible to those not learned in mysticism. His book Mesilat Yesharim has become the classic of Jewish ethics.
Rabbi Melamed is a leading student and exponent of the teachings of Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah Kook, and serves as Rabbi of the ever growing settlement of Bet El in the Israel's Shomron. He is also the Head Rabbi of the Yeshiva of Bet El.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
