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.

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.

On Extreme Progressive, Why Right Shoe Before Left & Summary of Lefty Halachot

Special Spiritually and Imagination on Shabbat

Rav Kook explains why that which is learned on Shabbat is considered so much greater than that studied during the week, and why creativity is that much greater on Shabbat, for better or for worse!

Seemingly 'Strange' Rabbinical Decrees- Not What You Thought!

Rav Kook suggests a very innovative and important "eye-opening" way to understand some of the rabbinical decrees which are particularly difficult to understand!

Positive Chutzpah= Part of Redemption- Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself!

Rav Kook ingeniously explains why the Mishna in Sotah, already 1,800 years ago, teaches that "Chutzpah" is an essential part of the Ge'ula process, and in fact today we see the necessity and positive aspect of "Israeli Chutzpah". Similarly, Rav Kook elaborates in his classic article on "Fear", how Galut (exile) refined but softened us a little too much, and how exaggerated fear and phobia is one of the worst things in life, preventing people from thinking, activism, modernism and more.

Sometimes We Have No One to Blame But Ourselves & Our Imagination!

Rav Kook explains how fear and one's imagination often cause more damage than the problem itself. In fact, most of our problems we cause to ourselves, and if we made decisions based upon Godly logic and ideals, it would not only grant us a feeling of security, but in fact we would save ourselves from most problems, and surely the inflated or exaggerated ones.

The Neurotics of the Exile Mentality & Fear of Change

Rav Kook ingeniously explains this difficult aggadita about "Sandal Messumar", relating to the problem of "Fear of the Unknown", and the Exile Mentality, where fear becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. This analysis has many current ramifications regarding the individual and Israel's relationship with her enemies, as well as with America, and how to deal with anti-Semitism today in America, Europe and Australia.

Taming the Inner Wild: Rav Kook and Harnessing the Power of Imagination

"Imagination" and "thinking out of the box" is one of the keys to success in hi-tech, music, art and western culture in general. Rav Kook deals here with the kabbalistic image of imagination as the "heel" or lower part of spirituality, which generally needs guarding and protection (symbolized by the shoes). On the other hand, he explains that this "breaking out of frameworks" is a necessary part of the process of redemption and modern creativity, and even the basis for the revival of prophecy.

Decree" Come True? Rav Kook on Da'as Torah

One of the points of disagreement between most Hassidim and Misnagdim is regarding the g'mara in Masechet Shabbat: what does it mean that a "Tzaddik decrees and G-d will fulfill!" Similarly, there are various opinions about the significance of "Da'as Torah", regarding how much to ask rabbis & what is their "power" regarding mundane non-halachic issues. As always, Rav Kook has an interesting "take" on this.

Whose Torah? When to do Shlichut?

This class continues the previous one (Ain Aya Shabbat vi, 4 regarding many other factors which we need to take into account when weighing our own (or childrens' or students') learning, which often comes into conflict regarding the learning of others or weaker students, or teaching as compared with our own Torah study.

Choosing a Chevruta (Study Partner)

Rav Kook's Guide for every Torah Teacher- How to Pair the Students!

This class is a "must" for every yeshiva rebbe & student, where Rav Kook finally answers the complex question every yeshiva has asked, of how to "pair up" the chevrutot (Torah Study Partners")? Should the stronger boys enter she'urim with the less learned? When should the stronger spend time "tutoring" the weaker students, when they themselves must still grow in Torah? When is it time for a yeshiva boy to go out and teach, or get a teacher's degree and/or semicha (ordination)? These common questions obviously have complex and subjective answers, but Rav Kook finally helps us organize the "time and place" for each type of study: with someone more learned, or less learned, or on the same level?

"Don't Try this at Home!

Questioning G-d by the Great & by the Masses

Rav Kook innovatively explains some difficulties in two Talmudic stories via relating to the issue of questioning G-d, and the difference between the great Torah scholars and the masses. This issue comes up often in the context of the Shoah and offers much food for thought.