- Beit Midrash
- Family and Society
- The Nation of Israel
Attitude Towards Jews Who Are Not Observant
articles on Attitude Towards Jews Who Are Not Observant
Embarrassed to show Judaism
My son is scared to stay a Jew abroad so I think that he is now non-religious. What to do?
Between Israel and the Nations
The relations between Israel and the nations are complicated.
Far More than 13 Million
How you count the Jews makes all the difference
The Name Heard Round the World
An amazing story about the true spiritual connection within the nation of Israel.
Lessons on Attitude Towards Jews Who Are Not Observant
9 Tips from Rav Kook on: How To Argue, Debate & "Do Kiruv" Successfully
Ein Aya Shabbat 2 279
Arguing is part of every marriage and relationship, and there must be a constructive way to do so. Similarly, so many Jews are far from Torah, that there must be some guidelines how to "Mekarev" them in the most beneficial way to return to Judaism. Rav Kook, as always, has some innovative tips.
How Did Rav Kook Base His Decision that We Must Love Non-Religious Jews?
How can the Torah command us to love every single Jew? How can the Torah command us to feel an emotion? Apparently we're referring to a mindset that is achievable, but how? Rav Kook was famous for his love of each and every Jew, even those far from Torah. This approach was very controversial in his time, but has since been almost unanimously accepted, even within haredi circles. What is the halachic and philosophic explanation and basis, and how can we practically acquire this difficult trait?
The Rebellion Against Religion, the Haredim & What's the Solution?
"HaDor"- Rav Kook on Understanding Our Generation
Rav Kook's classic "Ma'amar HaDor" is summarized here in one lecture, explaining the animosity between the factions in Israel. We return to the roots of the rebellious Zionist youth movements and the conservative reaction of the religious leadership in Europe. Rav Kook suggests that the rebellious sons in their idealism and Zionist revival, are even more religious than their parents on these issues. Their rebellion isn't against religion but against galut, and that's a revolution whose time has come: the redemption. The solution is to return to the original Torah which 1) is religious-Zionist and 2) includes learning the entire & broad Torah, including Tanach, Emuna, philosophy, hassidut, mussar, and Zionism, and not exclusively Talmud. We also deal with the question why these appealing aspects of Torah, were neglected for so long.
Lessons
fast navigation
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
