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Beit Midrash
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The correlation between pleasantness and Eretz Yisrael is not coincidental. It flows from the different perceptions that exist in Eretz Yisrael’s atmosphere. While the words of Torah are not prophecy, when studied in Eretz Yisrael, they possess completeness. Eretz Yisrael is connected to Am Yisrael. This nation can be divided into different limbs and pieces, in which each one has its special role, and only in the way the sections are interconnected does each have its proper place.
The reason that Torah scholars in Eretz Yisrael interact with pleasantness is that they recognize the validity of different opinions – "These and those are the words of the living G-d" (Eruvin 13b). Just as Eretz Yisrael is missing nothing (see Devarim 8:9), even pepper (Yoma 81b), so too spiritually [many approaches are available]. One approach does not preclude another.
Originally in Eretz Yisrael, there were no [lasting] disputes because they would come to conclusions. Since it was known that the various opinions are legitimate, it became possible to accept the opinion supported by the majority. This fits with Chazal’s statement: "Why did Beit Hillel merit that the halacha follows them? Because they were gentle and humble" (Eruvin 13b). While these traits do not appear to have to do with Halacha, they must, because it takes such traits to reach the truth.
In contrast, when a person considers only his own position, it is impossible to have the matter decided even when the majority opposes him; this is what caused dispute. This explains the language of the pasuk: "When something will be beyond you … matters of quarrels" (Devarim 17:8), referring to unresolved halachic disputes. Then there is a need to "get up and go up to the place Hashem your G-d will choose. And you will come to the kohanim the levi’im and to the judge … and they will tell you the matter of judgment" (ibid. 8-9). In Jerusalem the tradition is kept pristinely, and decisions emerge from there.
Even so, "judges and officers you shall place in all your gateways which Hashem will give to you by your tribes" (Devarim 16:18). If the goal is to handle disputes, it ostensibly makes no difference whether it takes place in Eretz Yisrael or abroad. Rather the goal is to make sure the congregation includes all of the nation’s elements and that the judges will not be only in the place that Hashem chooses, but that everywhere Jews are, they will be connected to the judges.
Moreshet Shaul (45)
Various Rabbis
45 - MORESHET SHAUL: THE DAYS THAT THE HEAVEN IS ABOVE THE LAND – PART II
46 - MORESHET SHAUL: THE STAFF OF PLEASANTNESS
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Rav Kook’s Torah is built on uncovering what makes things special, the powers that impact the community beyond their desires and intentions, which is true of the influence of Eretz Yisrael.
"He gives a soul to the nation that is upon it" (Yeshayahu 42:5). Eretz Yisrael provides an "extra soul." Just as Rashi (Beitza 16a) explains the extra soul for Shabbat as allowing people to ingest more food than they should be capable of, Eretz Yisrael’s extra soul enables absorbing the excess and processing it in a way that returns it to its origin.
It is, though, necessary to be prepared to receive the Torah of Eretz Yisrael. Rav Zeira fasted 100 days to forget the Torah he knew from Bavel (Bava Metzia 85a). If there is no willingness to absorb, one can be in Eretz Yisrael without receiving anything special.
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: Character Refinement – part III
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Returning Torah to its Central Standing – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Addresses to Students at Kfar Haroeh (1942, 1944)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 238
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.