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Beit Midrash
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In light of the confusion among the public, especially regarding the youth in Israel, about how to view the non-Jewish population [in Israel], it is proper that rabbis should dedicate significant thought to clarifying the matter from the perspective of Jewish Philosophy. There is a need to set a "golden mean" on the matter. On the one hand, distance should be drawn between Israel, the chosen nation, who are "sons to Hashem," which places upon them special obligations, which are as least as great as the privileges, [and the gentile communities]. On the other hand, there is a need to act with respect and appreciation toward [non-Jewish] neighbors, who, when they act properly toward us, have the right to be treated with the respect due to those who deserve it because they were created in the image of Hashem. This concept finds expression in the halacha of ger toshav (a non-Jew who does not convert to Judaism but formally accepts certain precepts and enjoys limited rights within the Jewish community; the halachic construct does not exist in our times); we are commanded to help them live and thrive.
The religious community in Israel was once again put to the test in the elections for the Knesset, which was forced upon us before its set time, and unfortunately, we did not succeed. Our public representatives appeared divided and lacking the proper standing, and they did not succeed in drawing all those who attend batei knesset. We are embarrassed and ashamed as a group, when the clear majority of our populace rallied around parties who do not include the "name of Heaven" on their banners. The religious parties are thus relegated to appearing as satellites, dependent on the good will of the big parties. It is particularly upsetting and tormenting that the stature of the Religious Zionist community has deteriorated. Why has it dropped drastically? After all, the idea that exists at the foundation of religious Zionism is the one that was triumphant in practice, and the infrastructure of all that exists from a religious perspective is the fruit of the investment and the toil of this group. So why has the circle of its adherents dwindled?
Also, what is the reason that some, including important people within our segment of society, have decided to appear politically separately from the rest? They did not succeed as they imagined they might, but did "succeed" in increasing the fragmentation of the "camp"? Why did we not come up with the internal strength to overcome this evil inclination to fragmentize at a time like this, when the holiest values of Judaism are in danger?
All of these are piercing questions. Perhaps these upcoming days of teshuva (the month of Elul and the High Holy Days), with their special prayers, and the dawning of a new year, will help us shake off all the dust and dirt that has clung to us. May we return to the "reliable approach" of adding to the honor of Hashem and returning the crown to its past glory. May we be written and inscribed all together for a good and successful year, a year in which the stature of Israel and the Torah will be raised in the Land that makes us special and is our glory.
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
41 - MORESHET SHAUL: TWO ELEMENTS TO WORK ON – PART III
42 - MORESHET SHAUL: OVERVIEW OF THE RAMBAM’S APPROACH
43 - MORESHET SHAUL: THE STUDY OF CHUMASH
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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: Connection between Talmid Chacham and Am Ha’aretz
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 665
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part IV
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Spiritual Self-Improvement – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 405-7 (from the 1930s
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part II
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.
