A look at commentaries on the second paragraph of the Shema found in this week's Torah reading Ekev to discover that Mitzvot (commandments) mean more when they are performed in the Land of Israel.
A look at the claim in this week's Torah reading VaEtchanan that Jews who live outside the Land of Israel will serve idols and reconciles it with commentators who seemingly disagree.
Exploring the Kuzari's explanation of the centuries-old question, brought to light in this week's Torah reading Devarim: If Israel is as central to the Jews' essence and mission as we say it is, why don't all Jews live there?
We all know that cussing, swearing & pornographic speech are prohibited just like gossip & Lashon HaRa, but Rav Kook explains why the Talmud doesn't allow us even to hear negative speech without rebuking. In addition to thought, speech, and action, Rav Kook adds that hearing is super-significant, e.g. one who deafens someone must pay damages not just for his ears, but for his entire body because learning, tradition, and kabbala are transmitted thru hearing. He adds that "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem". Rebuke is not just for the sinner but for the "rebuker" himself (prevents being influenced), and for society and really all mankind.
Rav Kook deals with the unproductive problem of daydreaming, sexual fantasy and pornography, and how it lowers one into a feeling of depression and loneliness, precisely missing the companionship that a true soul-mate is meant to be. He also deals with the problem of cursing, swearing and unclean speech, and the relationship between our thoughts, speech and actions, whether when used properly or misused. The power of speech is also directly connected with the Land of Israel where Hebrew, prophecy and leprosy for Lashon HaRa are apparent. This helps us understand speech in a modern context.
Delving into the most important verse in the entire Torah that establishes how the Hebrew nation is supposed to relate to the Land of Israel, found in this week’s Torah reading Masei.
A look in this week's Torah reading Pinchas to understand why Jewish women usually get it right with regards to bringing Redemption...and why Jewish men so often don't.
Rav Kook deals with the unproductive problem of daydreaming, sexual fantasy and pornography, and how it lowers one into a feeling of depression and loneliness, precisely missing the companionship that a true soul-mate is meant to be. He also deals with the problem of cursing, swearing and unclean speech, and the relationship between our thoughts, speech and actions, whether when used properly or misused. The power of speech is also directly connected with the Land of Israel where Hebrew, prophecy and leprosy for Lashon HaRa are apparent. This helps us understand speech in a modern context.
A look into the story of Bilaam in this week's Torah reading of Balak which explains the importance of seeing the Jewish People and the Land of Israel with an Ayin Tova - a positive outlook.
Considering why the Red Heifer ritual is mentioned at the end of the 40 years in the desert, as opposed to the rest of the Temple rituals mentioned in Leviticus. Hint: It has to do with body building, not going to the bathroom, and - you guessed it - the Land of Israel.
Rav Kook explains why the constructive punishment for murder was the destruction of Y'rushalayim & exile from Israel. G-d loves life and is the force behind all life, and in fact, defines "Good" as "Life". The goal of the Torah is Tahara or Life, and accordingly murder, or the taking of life is not only tragic morally but ideologically and philosophically, stands, like Tum'ah, in total contradiction to the message of life, which supersedes the other mitzvot. Israel is meant to be a life-educating "Light to the Nations" from Y'rushalayim, through building an ideal Jewish State, but if we aren't fulfilling that goal, then our capitol and national life are counter-productive.
