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The difference between the two appears clear. One is the ultimate G-d-fearer, who believes and depends on Him. The other relies on human power and ignores Hashem. Certainly, meeting the two on the street, we would know who is who. Yet, a few p’sukim later, the navi stresses that Hashem is able to discern between the different people by investigating the heart and kidneys (ibid.:9-10). For commentators like the the Pesikta, who understand that the cursed person is an idolater or the like, what is special about Hashem that He can uncover his shortcomings? The Tanchuma claims that the blessed clings to the craft of his forefathers and prays to Hashem, whereas the cursed does not. Whether or not one prays honestly to Hashem is already something that only Hashem knows. However, it is unclear where this approach is hinted to in the p’sukim.
Let us move on to the Yerushalmi’s (Pe’ah 8:8) explanation. "Whoever needs tzedaka and does not accept it will not die of old-age before he will support others." The Yerushalmi cites our pasuk as support for this idea.
Many mitzvot depend on the intention in one’s heart. In these cases the Torah often concludes, "I am Hashem," meaning that He is the One who knows a person’s intention. People do not know how much money a person gives or receives. Ma’aser kesafim formulas are not a give-away as to how much one should give, as how much to subtract for necessary household expenses depends on the elusive estimation that only the family can determine. Whether or not one needs to receive charity depends on the standard of living a family needs, which again is a secret, private matter.
We can say that the two men Yirmiya contrasts are externally identical. Each is Torah-observant. They may attend the same shiurim. They differ in the intention of the heart. One tries to attain things naturally, but with proper "hishtadlus." He realizes there is "a Leader to the palace" and will not bypass halachic barriers. The second one compromises principles upon encountering difficulty. He relies on the strength of a man’s forearm, including his own. He thinks that his power will secure for him his desires. He forgets Who rules the world and centers his existence around his wishes.
These matters are indeed matters of the heart, hidden deep in a person’s psyche, from where it is very hard to access them. Therefore, the prophet stresses the heart three times in the pasuk. Let us pray that we will soon have fulfilled in us the pasuk, "A pure heart create within me, Hashem, and a correct spirit renew within me."
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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.