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Beit Midrash
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Even today, Yerushalayim is already our national capitol (whether one wants to demonstrate against or for the government), the Torah center (teaming with yeshivot, batei din and halachic authorities), and universal focus (which interests most to all religions and nations).
Rav Kook writes (Orot Yisral 8, 5) that if one claims that he loves all human beings the same, without having a particular love for his immediate family or nation, that's a sign that he doesn't know what real love is, and his HUMANIST claims are just a bluff. Love of family/nation helps define and understand what love is, enabling us to eventually widen that love to other broader fields, and also limits universalism from becoming just theoretical or extreme.
Similarly, Rav Kook (ibid 4, 5) writes that one who thinks that love of our nation brings one to dislike other nations, obviously doesn't know what Ahavat YISRAEL is. For as opposed to most other patriotism, love of Israel doesn't put down others, but rather brings us to want to better the lot of the gentiles of the world, "and through you will come blessing to all the families of the world" (Breishit 12, 3).
Similarly, Rav Kook writes (ibid 7, 6) that anyone who thinks they can live a full life of Torah outside of the Land and State of Israel (i.e. religion without nationalism), he doesn't know what Torah is about. Just as one who thinks Judaism is just between man and G-d (religion), ignoring man & his fellow man (humanism), is missing the boat.
In short, the national-religious-universal are all necessary, to help complete each other. In a nation of millions, inevitably there are going to be some more national oriented, as well as others more universal oriented or religiously oriented (although all of the 3 are obviously religious, Rav Kook in this case is referring to religion as it was expressed in the galut: Shabbat, Kashrut etc.). Only when all are working together can we achieve the proper balance and reveal the unity of mankind's 3 ideologies.
Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.
The Giving of the Torah When Should We Use Facts, Logic or Kabbala in Learning Torah?
Ein Aya Shabbat 4 7
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.