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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- 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 (44)
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: Connection between Talmid Chacham and Am Ha’aretz
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 665
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: Introduction to Midrash Rabba – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 121
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.
