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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
The power of Torah is great only to the extent that we feel that it was given to us and that we can be not only continuers but also initiators. Avraham did not have to undergo a trial such as being bound before he went to learn. But Yitzchak was different, in that he came to yeshiva because his father sent him, as a result of always being in an atmosphere permeated with the Torah of Avraham. He could not have taken the critical value out of his study as long as he did not personally undergo the great trial of the akeida.
The first students who studied in the yeshiva have already moved on, so what connection is there between those who are here and those who used to be? Why would one mention the years one studied in the yeshiva? We can deduce that the earlier students left us something of value. What they created still exists – a tradition and a mold. It is a tradition of consistency, a mold of reliability and close friendship. You new students came to something that had been prepared, and you are charged with the task of continuing it. The continuation can live up to this distinction only if it contains some of the "fragrance" of the beginning. In other words, if the yeshiva did not already exist, you would have been capable of founding it.
The main thing that pushed the founding class was the recognition that something important was being created – whether it was them as people or the institution. That is why people were careful about the details and there was concern that there should not be anything improper or "unhealthy." That is why there is a connection with those who followed, even after they left, and why they have concern about the "face of the yeshiva" even today. These are "the righteous within the city" (see Bereishit 18:24), whose activities are not limited to themselves but also their environs. It is not a chance get-together of friends, but an organic growth of a living thing, so that each part does its part. This is what we need in the future, as well, and you will be able to prove yourselves in this.
2. "The Torah taught us the proper practice – a person should not switch his innkeeper" (Rashi, Bereishit 13:3). One should show good manners toward an innkeeper even though he was only an innkeeper and even though the nature of the relationship is transient, until he moves on. It is even though the passerby does not leave an impact and others take his place. Sometimes, the visitor does not care what happens at the inn. It is still good manners to remember even one’s temporary abode, as he still received benefit from the inn and the innkeeper.
Perhaps the Torah was teaching that there is no experience in the world that is totally lost. Even if it was just in passing, you were there, and you probably left some "fragrance" of yourself there. Within those walls, something was received from the life that passed through. You left some part of your soul, and perhaps it is still "wandering there waiting to be fixed." Maybe it is still "clinging to the walls," making "fruit and fruit of fruit."
It is possible that you recognize that you had a feeling, a flutter of the spirit before it took a firm form. Perhaps you dreamed a dream and you thought it was just a dream, but the dream came true. It is worthwhile to return and remember, to see and compare.
Moreshet Shaul (44)
Various Rabbis
23 - Moreshet Shaul: Introduction to Midrash Rabba – part II
24 - Moreshet Shaul: Addresses to Students at Kfar Haroeh (1942, 1944)
25 - Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part I
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Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 168-170
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Jewish Philosophy in Daily Life
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 250
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Spiritual Self-Improvement – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 405-7 (from the 1930s
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.