Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions

Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 49

Sometimes the halacha apparently "needs" to be superseded by a greater cause. Judaism usually says that the ends doesn't justify the means, but Rav Kook discusses here when nevertheless it is allowed for rabbis to temporarily "sidestep" the halacha, and on what conditions it is warranted for rabbis to be more lenient than usual. Rav Kook reveals here some interesting autobiographical information, apparently regarding the Heter Mechira during Shemitta and when & why he allowed eating kitniyot oil and other controversial leniencies.

"If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"

IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America

In short, Israel today is preoccupied with the urgency of drafting many thousands of lacking combat soldiers into the IDF, especially after so many of our best boys have recently fallen or been wounded. Many point the finger at Haredim in this context, especially those who are not really learning Torah full-time, where there is no halachic justification for them whatsoever, not to observe this great mitzvah. On the other hand, it's about time that someone point out that this obligation of Milchemet Mitzvah applies equally to all of the healthy Jewish boys living in America, as well, especially those working or studying in universities. This extremely "readable" yet scholarly article suggests much food for thought, and can potentially be a game-changer for many readers, regarding many issues in this period of Achdut, anti-Semitism and sincere soul-searching & reassessment in the Jewish religious & Haredi communities both abroad and in Israel. Please forward it to as many people as possible!

Source sheet & Description: Orchot Tzadikim 31, Happiness part ix

How does faith help our happiness and coping even with great challenges? It also is the basis for developing our two-way relationship as lovers through our mutual "love-notes", giving G-d our prayers, and His revealing to us the secrets of His Torah, which are the ultimate happiness and security.

א, כו- "Punishments are a Natural Outcome of Wrong"

The Natural Process of Redemption is Even Better!

(Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 48)

For many reasons, contrary to popular belief, the natural process of redemption is, according to Rav Kook & the Maharal, is even better! The topic is connected with why the world was created via evolution and analyzing through examples why skipping stages in many aspects of life is counterproductive.

א, כה- "The Time & Place for Physical Beauty"

Ayn Aya Rav Kook's Classic Commentary on the Aggadic Portions of the Talmud

א, כד- "Sometimes Poverty is an Advantage

א, לט- "Reaping the Benefits of Tefilin"

א, כב- "Evil Undoes Itself!"

א, כד- "Sometimes Poverty is an Advantage

א, כא- "Why Live in a New Yishuv?"

When to Initiate Hastening the Process and When Not

Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 47

When to Initiate Hastening the Process & When to Leave God to Decide? (Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 47)) How do we know when to work with God & initiate speeding up the process of redemption for example, and when to let Him do everything? Rav Kook connects this with the sin of Reuven and suggests an innovative explanation to one of the midrashim.

Parshat Pinchas & Chukat: A New & Innovative Look at Moshe's Sin (easy Hebrew)

12 different commentaries differ with Rashi regarding Moshe Rabbenu's sin, that it's not simply that he struck, rather than speak to the rock to bring out water. This class deals with why it's so unclear and what is the "secret" explanation of the Shadal which is the only commentary which answers all of the difficulties and questions here

Orchot Tzaddikim-part 30 Happiness pt. viii

How faith and trust in God bring happiness, and defining faith and belief and how can God command to believe someone who doesn't believe?

א, כ- "Tips for Educating Our Children"

Care in the Practical Details of Shabbat Brings the Recognition of Her Holiness

א, יז-

Ayn Aya Rav Kook's Classic Commentary on the Aggadic Portions of the Talmud

א, טז- "A Small Recognition Leads to Great Things"

Ayn Aya Rav Kook's Classic Commentary on the Aggadic Portions of the Talmud.

א, טו- " Benefits of Shabbat Observance"

Ayn Aya Rav Kook's Classic Commentary on the Aggadic Portions of the Talmud.

א, יד- Thankfulness- The Basis of Torah

(part B) of Ayn Aya Shabbat I, 14

Ayn Aya Rav Kook's Classic Commentary on the Aggadic Portions of the Talmud

Mitzvot that Seem Outdated