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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
The outlook of the Torah and the Rabbis is to employ some of each approach. "One who spares his rod hates his son" is a clear motto (Mishlei 13:24). The Rabbis have a rule about educating the young: "Your left hand should push away, and your right hand should draw close" (Sanhedrin 107b). In other words, one should not rule out even harsh measures when he sees a need for them. The dichotomy is not just a compromise between two opposing approaches. Rather, the Torah and the Rabbis set a stand according to their general outlook on man and his role in the world.
The Torah views man as a being with two different powers fighting each other, with each wanting to win and fully conquer the other one. One side of a person is, "… in the form of G-d He made man" (Bereishit 9:6) – this is the soul which is of divine origin. It shines fully like the Heavens, and it deserves to be treated with encouragement and explanation. Furthermore, this is the only language it understands.
However, at the same time, man has another side. "… the inclination of a man’s heart is evil from his youth" (ibid. 8:21). This means that people have destructive powers that try to break forth and take over the persona. Just like weeds in the field, these destructive powers are very strong and do not need special treatment [to grow]. As long as one does not uproot them, they grow on their own and overpower and wipe out all growth around them. In order to handle these destructive forces, one needs strong measures, which must destroy the weeds.
When it comes to people, their difficult side only understand the language of the "whip" and punishment, and about this situation, the pasuk says: "One who spares his rod hates his son." One does not do a favor for his child if he comes to terms with the way he is or fails to take the proper steps of "pest control." If one is passive, the forces are able to take hold and find their place in the heart, in which case, he will not be able to uproot the forces of evil when he grows up.
However, the above is true concerning a father as he relates to his son, not for the relationship between a youth leader and his charges. The relationship between a father and child is full and broad, enveloping all elements of the child’s life. The child’s perspective on his father is not built only on the basis of actions that the child sees as clearly educational, in which he needs to compromise his desires when they conflict with what his father decides for him. The child lives at home on an ongoing basis, and the love that develops between parents and children is natural. It does not reach the danger of severing even when there is temporary anger, even if the child thinks the parent has acted improperly. A father is a father unconditionally. Therefore, the anger and lack of satisfaction that the child feels due to punishments he receives normally pass without causing a barrier. These are bolstered by the natural love which will over time overcome the temporary anger. He is likely to think: "My father definitely loves me and wants what is good for me; he feels pain when he punishes me. If he punishes me anyway, he must feel that my behavior is unacceptable, and I must improve." The punishment thus becomes part of the process of contemplation and healing and is worthwhile even though it is unpleasant.
Next time we will see how it is different for a youth leader and children.
Moreshet Shaul (44)
Various Rabbis
24 - Moreshet Shaul: Addresses to Students at Kfar Haroeh (1942, 1944)
25 - Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part I
26 - Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part II
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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: Character Refinement – part V
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part IV
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
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.
