articles on Texts of Jewish Thought
Lessons on Texts of Jewish Thought
Orchot Tzaddikim class 84, "Awe" part iv
The class deals with the greatness of man (including the present Artemis ii space mission) the mind & G-dly soul which yearns for a greater purpose and meaning in life. It includes the famous parables of the horse (body) and rider (soul), and the king whose outstanding greatness attests to his supremeness. Towards the end we allude also to the forthcoming Yom HaAtzma'ut, and discuss the Vilna Gaon's proven accurate formula for figuring out the pivotal years in the redemption process, where he correctly predicts in 5708=1948 Adam (Israel) will get (back) on our feet, and in 5750=1990, begins the transition from secular Zionism to religious Zionism, when the largest Teshuva return to Torah in history was the Aliya of the Jews from the former Soviet Union to return to the Jewish fold, nation & observance.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 84, "Awe" part iii
The class deals with the differing opinions among our sages whether it's good to suggest "Ta'amei HaMitzvot" (benefits) of the mitzvot or not. Also, what are the various levels of the soul, nefesh, ru'ach and nesham. And how the greatness of man helps us appreciate the awesomeness of the Creator.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 5786
On the Slippery Slope
Bare Minimum= Bare Results (When Chumrot are Necessary!)
Rav Kook in general writes that Torat Eretz Yisrael stays away from unnecessary chumrot (strict opinions) because even the physical life in Israel is holy and positive. But this class deals with certain cases where one must be careful not just to do the minimum but should add and be that much more careful. The class also deals with the philosopher Prof. Yeshayahu Lebowitz including little-known testimonies regarding his Torah thought and observance, as well as the current controversy regarding drafting Haredim into the IDF.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 5786
Wealth: When is it a Worthwhile Assignment?
Much has been written about wealth, but Rav Kook here analyzes what our sages teach, when is it and when is it not worth it for G-d to bless one with wealth? He explains that by G-d the reward or punishment is a direct and logical outcome of our actions.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 83, "Awe" part ii
The class deals with how today in the democratic world, the "quaking" approach to G-d is counterproductive, and "awe" must be taught accordingly. The class also deals with 6 answers to the question why heaven and hell are not mentioned more in the Torah. And why it's important to educate children with prizes & positive reinforcements, and pleasurable association with Torah and mitzvot, and not to pretend that a child is more mature or idealistic than he really is.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
Between Amalek & Other Challenges- Eternal Foes or Occasional Bouts
Rav Kook writes about the necessity for various types of defense, differentiating between one-horned animals and the two-horned, as necessary for man and nations, as well. He uses the rare Tachash animal, uniquely used in the Mishkan, and not found in other generations, as a symbol of the antithesis of Amalek.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
When Galut is Necessary & When Not?
Rav Kook differentiates between sins of manners, sins of the individual and those of an entire country or society. In the latter case, gentile nations leave the stage of history, but Israel (which cannot be wiped out) is sent to exile. The class deals with the severity of a country officially licensing or condoning sin (e.g. same-sex marriages) which is much more severe than what individuals may do as private citizens. Finally, the class deals with the question of how Israel, as a democracy, should address the issue.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
