articles on Texts of Jewish Thought
Lessons on Texts of Jewish Thought
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
Orchot Tzaddikim, class 82, "Awe" part i
The class begins the final chapter of Orchot Tzaddikim, and deals with 3 levels of awe, and how central it is to Judaism.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 81, "Torah" part ii
The class deals with how G-d grants each generation to innovate and add to the eternal Torah. Even though today, we may not be as religious and spiritual as previous generations, G-d has granted us many "game-changers" to make Torah today that much more NEW, exciting and intellectually and emotionally appealing.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
Quality Over Quantity- Countless Ramifications
As mankind matures (similar to the individual child), we all realize that it's generally a mistake to go after quantity, at the expense of quality. Children and primitve man thought that "bigger is better", but today's tiny computer chips and laser warfare teach man what Judaism always knew. Rav Kook explains this important idea with so many ramifications in life and Torah, via the letter Yud, which is the smallest letter, and rationally explains its Kabbalistic meanings and usage. The class is a great example of how Rav Kook harmonizes and combines rational philosophy and logical Kabbala.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
The Symbolism of the Dalet-Shaped Head-Tefilin's Knot
Many have summarized Rav Kook's ideology as "Uniting the Opposites", and this classic class elaborates on the idea via the Shi"n on the Head-Tefilin and the concept of "Laws given orally to Moshe at Sinai". A very basic class in Rav Kook's thought.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 80, "Torah" part i
This is the first part of the chapter regarding the supreme importance of learning Torah, and why it is so central to Judaism. Anyone who feels a lack of motivation to learn should hear this class!
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 79, Teshuva part x
G-d doesn't hold a grudge, and even King Menashe, who served every pagan deity, and turned to G-d only as a last resort, was accepted! These inspiring examples stress that we can always do Teshuva, even when we have slipped back many times. The class also includes practical examples of how to improve, to finish off this extensive topic.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 5786
