Serving Hashem

"Uniting the Whole"- the Meaning of Brachot on Mitzvot

One should differentiate between the expertise of specialists, and fields where they express undeserved respect.

Mitzvot are such a central part of our lives, but we sometimes forget what's their goal.

People often confuse the different aspects of spirituality, but the contrast between the means and the goal must be clear.

There are many different topics- sometimes we can learn from western culture, and sometimes not.

Through not gaining on the account of others, not over-investing time, remembering it's a means-not the goal, sharing and donating to others and Israel.

The positive conscious examination and improvement must not come at the expense of the G-dly nature and instinct with which we were all created. Listen to your inner-self.

The Mitzvot include both Mishpatim (understandable) and Chukim (non-understandable). Rav Kook posits that the differentiation between the two is consciously unclear, because study turns the Chukim into rational, and society sometimes interchanges what was thought as rational into a chok (e.g. homosexuality may be seen differently, but it's always wrong).

Rav Kook divides life into 2 basic stages: First developing one's talents and spirituality, and only afterwards can one concentrate on giving and altruism, for only then does he have what to contribute.