articles on Texts of Jewish Thought
Lessons on Texts of Jewish Thought
Kuzari class 1
The class introduces the book, its original name, the author, why it was written, the history of the Kuzari nation, and the actual introduction of the book written by R. Yehuda HaLevi.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5786
"Tzniut vs. Cheap Attention"
Explaining Tzni'ut in a Modern Appealing Way of Rav Kook
Tzni'ut or humility has a bad "rap" for it goes against many "givens" of the western world. Arrogant people who depend on the approval or (often cheap) attention of others, rather than working on their inner selves, actually lose their own self, and inside feel emptiness. Humility is externally mistaken for unhappiness, just as arrogance is mistaken for happiness. This class is a must for parents and educators, especially of teenage girls, but really for everyone.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5786
Siyum iyum of Orchot Tzaddikim
by Rav Yonatan Rozin, leading Ram in Yeshivat Ma'aleh Adumim.
The guest speaker refers to the unique chapter in Orchot Tzaddikim, not found in other works about midot, the "active" way and benefits of silence.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5786
"Stuck Up"- Too High & Mighty for His Own Good
Even within arrogance there are different levels. Rav Kook explains the logical connection the Talmud makes between lack of humility, laziness and exile.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5786
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
