Ein Aya

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Beyond Either-Or"

Rav Kook's Uniting the Opposites, Sinai & the Tefilin's Shi"n

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.

“Honor Requires an Audience”+ Tu B'Shvat

Rav Kook makes some very interesting "diyukim" (deductions) from this passage in the Talmud about when to wash or moisterize (with oil) right before left, and regarding anointing one's entire body, and relates to small "timely" fixings, as opposed to general improvement.

Fix the Leak or Overhaul the Oil

Rav Kook makes some very interesting "diyukim" (deductions) from this passage in the Talmud about when to wash or moisterize (with oil) right before left, and regarding anointing one's entire body, and relates to small "timely" fixings, as opposed to general improvement.