Saving Life With One Word

A drop of encouragement may seem like a drop in the ocean, but sometimes it can save a life from drowning in sadness.

Politeness, Manners & Etiquette- the True Israeli Approach!

Ein Aya Shabbat 3, 8

Sometimes we find Torah scholars, Yeshiva boys, and sometimes Israeli's, who look down upon certain manners, politeness and etiquette as external or western nonsense. Rav Kook teaches here how to explain to children, as well as the young, idealistic & religiously motivated, that these seemingly technical and outward acts contain true Torah and Israeli importance & ideals.

Sticks And Stones - The Power of an Insult

"...but words can never harm me." Why do words hurt so much, they're nothing more than puffs or air with a sound wave attached, aren't they?

A Heartfelt Blessing

Mr. Zilber’s story reminds us that we each have the power to bring blessing into someone else’s life by simply wishing them well from our hearts.

Would It Spoil Some Vast Eternal Plan- If I Were a Wealthy Man?!

Ein Aya, Shabbat 2,, 244

Most people would like to be wealthy, and even pray that God should grant it to them. Obviously wealth enables giving more tzedaka, but on the other hand, all of life is challenges, and money is a difficult one (although everyone wants it!). Judaism says that it's best to be middle-class, not too rich and not too poor, yet Torah is found mostly among the poor! The class deals with the importance in finding scholarships davka for those who need them will probably be the best students. There are many logical reasons for this, yet most ignore them. Aside from the problems of spoiling one's children, wealth often leads to arrogance and exaggerated self-worth, inflating one's ego and losing touch with reality, humility and more.

Rav Kook on Superstition & Other Spiritual Problems

Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 237

Rav Kook deals here with 3 common spiritual problems: over-indulging in physical pleasure; "under-indulging"- going to the opposite extreme & how fasting and ascetic life is counter-productive for the modern man; & superstition. Rav Kook's unique approach to superstition & the passages in the Talmud which seem as such stress that we must rise above the nature to fear and "quake" regarding topics beyond human control. Rather than imagining superstitious acts, which help us feel in control of the uncontrollable, we should connect with He Who is in total control and His Torah wisdom. HaRav doesn't contradict those rabbinic passages, but says they're secondary & better off not worrying about. Only he who worries about them has what to worry about.

What's The Solution to the 'Imposter Syndrome' & The Fear of Being Exposed?

Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 236

Rav Kook explains that there is no way to pretend and hide one's shortcomings and be an "imposter", for they eventually will be exposed and revealed, at least through Freudian slips. The solution is to focus, not on the façade, and not on the hidden self, but rather on improving my real inner self. This approach to truth explains how real tshuva actually turns even one's purposeful sins into benefits.

"Killing Me Softly With His Words"

Rav Kook on Rebuking Negative Speech - Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 235

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.

Givers Keepers

A powerful story reminding us what we give away is what we keep forever.

Just Desserts

Face Your Bears

How did Brigadier General (retired) Effi Eitam react when he was confronted by a grizzly bear, and what can you learn from it?

Little Giant Man

With a few simple and sincere kind words you can leave an indelible impression on someone else. Watch how little it takes to make a big difference. It's Kiddush Hashem at it's best!

The important of 'Bein adam la'chavero' mitzvos

How is it that people are so careful about mitzvot between man and god and aren't as careful in mitzvot between people.

When to be Angry?

Anger According to the Rambam

The Rambam explains that Moshe Rabenu's sin in the waters of dispute [Mei Meribah] was anger. A person should stay completely away from anger, but there is a place behavior like anger.