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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
R' Ytzchak Yoseph B"R Chaim Shlomoh
The Sages of the Mishna answered this question with a single short and sweet phrase in the tractate of "Pirkei Avot." It goes: "Acquire a teacher for yourself." The tractate of Avot is made up of profound advice in the form of short sayings. These sayings containing wisdom and examples of admirable character traits. In the sixth Mishna of the first chapter it is written: "Rabbi Yehoshua ben Perachia says: 'Obtain a teacher for yourself, acquire a friend for yourself, and judge everyone favorably.' In these few words we are given sound general advice; its follower can be certain of success. When a person has a teacher, a rabbi, he has a source of spiritual power that strengthens him and enlightens his way. He has somebody to lean on and this gives him confidence. Similarly, when a person attaches himself to a positive environment, to a good friend who shares similar ambitions, he is not alone on the battlefield. He is not alone, without aid or a supportive environment. If an individual does not adopt this wise advice, his spiritual level will indeed sink. Good intentions naturally get worn down, and one loses moral altitude.
"Obtain a teacher..." - In Hebrew, this phrase literally reads, "Make a teacher..." Even if you are unable to find a rabbi who appears to be a "messenger from the Almighty" Himself; even if he is not the most faultless individual on earth - do not remain without a rabbi. One who manages to attach himself to a great rabbi is very fortunate, yet even if one is unable to find a perfect rabbi, " Make a teacher..." - somebody who you can attach yourself to, be guided by, and lean on. The mere attachment to a rabbi provides one with strength and spiritual reinforcement. In addition, "Acquire a friend for yourself." One must strive to find a friend; even if one is unable to find somebody exactly to his liking, all the same -"Acquire a friend for yourself." Together, friends provide mutual support for one another. Two are better than one, and a three-stringed rope is not quickly severed. This was one of the innovations of Chassidism: "Obtain a Rabbi..." i.e., a Rebbe; "Acquire a friend ('Chaver')..." i.e., a Chassidic environment (Chevrah). By following this advice, the Chassidic movement managed to boast a large membership, scattered in many cities and small villages. Not only was Chassidism able to maintain a large following and to prevent its members from becoming distanced from Judaism, but it managed to spiritually elevate and strengthen them as well.
Ein Aya More Love and Less Discipline- the Change in Education Styles
Ein Aya Shabat Chapter A Paragraph 71
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
