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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 (48)
Various Rabbis
45 - MORESHET SHAUL: THE DAYS THAT THE HEAVEN IS ABOVE THE LAND – PART II
46 - MORESHET SHAUL: THE STAFF OF PLEASANTNESS
47 - I Will Bring You Back Up – part I
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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: What Connects Us as a Nation – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 704
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Introduction to Midrash Rabba – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 121-124
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Spiritual Self-Improvement – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 405-7 (from the 1930s
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
