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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
Derech eretz serves as an introduction, a sort of preparation and cultivation of the heart. Certainly, derech eretz includes within it the spirit of the Torah, for if it did not, how could it serve as a cultivator for Torah? On the other hand, one always writes an introduction after he has written the book, and it serves as a conceptual pole for that which follows it.
The simple concept of derech eretz includes manners, delicateness, and acting respectfully. It is often said that children born in Israel act with chutzpa, and thus they are not possessors of derech eretz. Let us investigate the causes of the lack of derech eretz and its ramifications.
We can propose that the lack of derech eretz in the Jewish communities of Israel and among the young generation is not incidental. It was preceded by an education and an educational philosophy that led in this direction. The generation that made aliya to the Land possessed an impulsive urge to erupt and blaze their own trails; it was a generation that rebelled against the habits of their fathers’ houses and forged a whole new style of life. Therefore, they expected of themselves to allow their children to enjoy the right to also shape their own destinies. They were concerned about the coercive nature of education, one that would attempt to force beliefs on students. This created a situation in which all boundaries and restraint on adolescent outbursts were violated.
I would say further: The treatment with derech eretz that was bestowed in previous generations on elders has been transferred to bestowal on the younger generation. Whereas in the past, advanced age was deserving of supreme honor, it turned into youth receiving that distinction. The generation that is growing old, whose hair is starting to become gray, whose back is starting to curve, and whose lungs are getting more feeble, looks with jealousy and awe toward the generation that follows him, the one that is full of wildness and desire to live. From this, the derech eretz for his children emanates.
There is another matter here – the denial of the survival of the soul after death. A person feels his strength waning and his march toward his end in progress, and he clings to his child, through whom he feels he can continue to live. For this reason, he gives his child dominion over everything.
Many people employ insignificant manners that are performed superficially, showing verbal honor to friends and people around him without the words being connected to anything internal. The rote expressions with no significant content cause some to be repelled by all manners and adopt an approach of dismissal [of manners in general].
Until now, the focus is on chutzpah in the broader and especially non-religious Israeli population. Next time, we will see Rav Yisraeli focus on the religious pioneer community, which he knew well as the rabbi of Kfar Haro’eh, a religious agricultural settlement.
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
32 - Moreshet Shaul: Spiritual Self-Improvement – part II
33 - Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part I
34 - Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part II
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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 III
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
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.
