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Beit Midrash
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A youth leader’s relationship with his charges is primarily in connection with the youth activity. Their relationship also resembles one of an older and a younger brother, or an older and younger friend. Although there are several years between them, and the child’s expectation is that the leader knows and understands more, they remain friends. They are, so to speak, like study partners, in a manner that the child learns from the leader, as he sees him as a person he wants to emulate. As soon as the child stops to see him in this light, but rather as one who is trying to dictate orders from above, he immediately loses his value as a youth leader. There is nothing that could damage the feelings of friendship more than the leader meting out punishment in the form of hitting the child. The punishment will not have a therapeutic effect [as it might from the father], and therefore we must reject it as an option. "One who lacks tolerance cannot teach" (Avot 2:5). An educator must employ tolerance and patience. He should use the "weapon" that is at his disposal and only at his disposal – public opinion, i.e., the opinion of the group in which the child is one of the participants.
One should remember that man is a social creature, as finds expression in the Rabbis’ observation: "Either friends or death" (Taanit 23a). A person would not do a criminal act of any sort if he did not think that his peer group will either look upon it favorably or at least be indifferent to it. If there were fierce opposition, there is no way he would do it (ed. note – this apparently refers to doing it openly). After all, this would distance him from his social group, which to him is like death. Therefore, a youth leader should try to create a group approach that rejects the problematic behavior of the child, and the improvement will come on its own.
However, while we do not view physical punishment as a legitimate approach to youth leadership from the perspective of the child, there may be times that he will need to use it. It can occur when there is a need to protect the needs of the entire group, where one of the members of the group has damaging influence, and his presence negatively influences the whole group. If the child is incorrigibly corrupted, and he introduces feelings of scorn and cynicism against the leader and the values he is trying to share, it is important for the leader to use force to lower his inflated ego and lower him in the eyes of his friends. This [highly exceptional] act of punishment will be a first step towards his social isolation and removal from the group, and only afterward can there be a formal act to remove him from its ranks.
In summary, physical punishment can be justified to the extent that it brings healing, whether it is by a father doing it to his son, or if it heals a group, as sometimes applies to a leader taking steps against a difficult student. If the discipline is not calculated according to the goals, it should not be used as a method of dealing with a child.
In the case that a leader already strayed from the advice we have given and gave a physical punishment due to a loss of control, then we should apply the rule of the Rabbis: "Do not judge your friend until you were in his predicament" (Avot 2:4). Do not look at it as a purposeful sin but as an accidental one. Considering the situation, he might be able to continue his youth work in a different atmosphere, e.g., a different group that is easier to lead.
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
25 - Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part I
26 - Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part II
27 - Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – 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: Returning Torah to its Central Standing – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 137
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
