Lessons on Jewish Laws and Thoughts
"Bad Thoughts vs. Bad Deeds"
Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 80
Rav Kook innovatively explains a difficult aggadita which raises many questions, through understanding the differences between problematic intents and problematic deeds.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Sivan 5785
Orchot Tzaddikim class 58, "Stay Quiet" part iv
The class deals with the problems of sarcasm and being cynical, where it comes from, and what it can lead to.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Sivan 5785
Good Free Will Enables the Temporary Choosing of Bad, Even Terrible
Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 79
The class deals, among other things, with how there can be bad in a world created by a perfect G-d? Also, how can we influence the nations without them influencing us?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5785
Orchot Tzaddikim class 56, "Stay Quiet" part ii
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5785
Even the Wise Shouldn't Skip Stages
Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 78
Rav Kook often relates to the gradual evolution of the individual and mankind, but here deals with the problem of those, like King Solomon, who because of his wisdom, thought that he could skip stages. This counterproductive haste, mistakenly thinking we can force the G-d of history, has many ramifications, including our relationship with the secular State of Israel and the current process of redemption. He also relates here to his explanation why women don't need the time-bound mitzvot, and the symbolism of the number 1,000 in rabbinic literature.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5785
Relating to That Which is Difficult to Believe
Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 75
Rav Kook deals here with , the importance of studying history, even regarding thoughts or plans that were raised but not implemented. G-d runs the world on many levels and we shouldn't just relate to actions that came into fruition, but also thoughts, intentions and dreams. Children think that only that which you see is what exists, but today, sound waves, electric waves, antennas and even modern art show a more mature mankind that we are ready also to think more abstractly. This concept provides an innovative way of understanding various incidents mentioned in the Tanach, Talmud and Midrash, as well as aspects of emuna or faith that some may find difficult to believe or understand.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5785
Tolerance but Not at All Costs
Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 73
Rav Kook innovatively explains how did King Solomon even consider building alters for the idolatry of his wives?! He deals with the 2 ways of Kiruv: having the non-religious go "Cold-Turkey" to the extreme, totally severing all ties with their past; or alternatively: showing tolerance and gradually convincing them to see the good in their present life-style but to leave the bad and advance gradually. Rav Kook, although usually seeing the good in everything, & taking the gradual more tolerant approach, here shows the other side of the coin, & differentiates why regarding certain "red-lines" like idolatry, there is "zero tolerance".
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5785
