Ein Aya

Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process

Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.

Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars

Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.

Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)

Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.

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.

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.

"Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"

Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.

The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention

Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.

"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.

"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.

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.