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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
What does a life of respecting others, especially elders and parents, give to the prospect of upholding values?
A. Vigilance regarding the sanctity of property and a counterpart’s value – When someone worked hard, did not steal to survive, and has the spirit of the living G-d in his midst, he deserves respect because of the form and spirit of Hashem within him. It is more obvious when this person is wise and gives to others, and especially if his counterpart is a recipient of his kindness from a young age. This is a debt of gratitude that every person must pay.
B. A restraint for the emergence of egotism within a person’s animalistic side – Clearly, there is a difference between what a person allows himself to do when he is alone and what he does in public. This is true when the public includes people who have an impact on him. People whose opinion and essence are unimportant to him will not restrain him. If one [follows the Rabbis’ instructions] to treat his friend like his rabbi and fear his rabbi like Heaven, then everything he does is more thought out and fitting to his values. If one does not value his friend’s honor and honors his rabbi like a friend, we can but imagine how his fear of Heaven will be.
C. The ability to be influenced positively – When one [treats parents with respect], it helps him be influenced by them; this works primarily indirectly. Who from the previous generation did not tremble at all when he thought of his father or grandfather? Who did not value their positive characteristics and try to draw somewhat close to them? If the Torah demanded honor, it is clearly not for the sake of the object of the honor, for honor is not good for them, as the Rabbis said: "Jealousy, desire, and honor remove a person from the world" (Avot 4:21). They tell us (Yoma 87a) that when Rav Zutra was carried by his students into the lecture, he would say: "For prominence does not last forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation" (Mishlei 27:24). Rather, the honor is critical so that the honored person will be able to lead the honorer on the proper path in life.
Therefore, it is important to be very vigilant not to turn simplified relationships into lack of manners. It is better to err by using too much manners than too little.
Moreshet Shaul (44)
Various Rabbis
34 - Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part II
35 - Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part III
36 - Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part IV
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Violence by children is a bad habit that can become a precedent for their way of life. They quarrel over things that are important to them like a stick or a smooth stone, and the stronger child decides to take what he wants by force. One must use all available tools – speech, habit formation, and real punishments – to eliminate this wrong path.
I heard a father telling a boy complaining about being bullied: "Go and hit him back." Not only is this a poor approach, but one should teach with all his strength the virtue of patience and maintaining self-dignity. It is better to respond: "Do not play with him until he asks forgiveness." One must not under any circumstances legitimize the violence that the counterpart improperly used [by urging to mirror his action]. One should not recommend it or even see the positive in it. "The left hand should push away, whereas the right hand should draw one close" (Sota 47a).
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Spiritual Self-Improvement – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 405-7 (from the 1930s)
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: The Ethics of the Torah
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 558
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.
