articles on Texts of Jewish Thought
Lessons on Texts of Jewish Thought
Orchot Tzaddikim class 72, Teshuva part iii
The class deals with the most common examples of mistakes or sins which we almost all do, some of which haven't changed, but we also point out those where historically there has been an interesting improvement over time.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 5786
Sometimes We Have No One to Blame But Ourselves & Our Imagination!
Rav Kook explains how fear and one's imagination often cause more damage than the problem itself. In fact, most of our problems we cause to ourselves, and if we made decisions based upon Godly logic and ideals, it would not only grant us a feeling of security, but in fact we would save ourselves from most problems, and surely the inflated or exaggerated ones.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 71, Teshuva part ii
The class deals with 7 reasons why not to delay one's Teshuva, and 7 additional aspects which make Teshuva challenging.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 5786
The Neurotics of the Exile Mentality & Fear of Change
Rav Kook ingeniously explains this difficult aggadita about "Sandal Messumar", relating to the problem of "Fear of the Unknown", and the Exile Mentality, where fear becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. This analysis has many current ramifications regarding the individual and Israel's relationship with her enemies, as well as with America, and how to deal with anti-Semitism today in America, Europe and Australia.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim- class 70, Teshuva part i
This class begins the new topic of Teshuva, discussing the greatness and need, the easiness and the difficulty involved. There is also an interesting aside relating to the greatness and importance of Yerushalayim, including a classic story told by Rav Soloveichik.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 5786
Taming the Inner Wild: Rav Kook and Harnessing the Power of Imagination
"Imagination" and "thinking out of the box" is one of the keys to success in hi-tech, music, art and western culture in general. Rav Kook deals here with the kabbalistic image of imagination as the "heel" or lower part of spirituality, which generally needs guarding and protection (symbolized by the shoes). On the other hand, he explains that this "breaking out of frameworks" is a necessary part of the process of redemption and modern creativity, and even the basis for the revival of prophecy.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 5786
Decree" Come True? Rav Kook on Da'as Torah
One of the points of disagreement between most Hassidim and Misnagdim is regarding the g'mara in Masechet Shabbat: what does it mean that a "Tzaddik decrees and G-d will fulfill!" Similarly, there are various opinions about the significance of "Da'as Torah", regarding how much to ask rabbis & what is their "power" regarding mundane non-halachic issues. As always, Rav Kook has an interesting "take" on this.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 5786
