Rabbi Kook

“Moshe was angry at the officers of the soldiers [who took revenge against the Midianites who caused Bnei Yisrael to sin]” (Bamidbar 31:14). Rav Nachman said in the name of Rabba bar Avuha: [This is the content of what] Moshe was saying to Israel: Perhaps you have returned to your previous sin [i.e., the promiscuity with the Moavite and Midianite women, which would explain why they brought the women with them]. They answered: “Not one person is missing from us” (ibid. 49) [Rashi – We have not lost the Jewish characteristic].”

The tzitz (plate of gold on the kohen gadol’s forehead) had written on it in two lines: the Name of Hashem on the top and “Sacred for” below [even though it is to be understood as saying “Sacred (kodesh) for Hashem”]. Rabbi Eliezer the son of Rabbi Yossi said: I saw it in Rome, and it has written “Sacred for Hashem” on one line.

The tzitz (one of the vestments of the kohen gadol) was a sort of plate of gold, which had a width of the width of two fingers, and it would encompass the forehead from one ear to the other ear [and had written on it, “Holy to Hashem”].

That which it says in the pasuk (Kohelet 11:9), “Be happy, young man, in your childhood, and let your heart make you feel good while you are single, and follow the paths of your heart and that which your eyes see” – until this point the pasuk is referring to Torah study. “… and know that Hashem will bring you to justice for all of these” (ibid.) – from this point on, it is referring to righteous actions.

That which it says in the pasuk (Kohelet 11:9), “Be happy, young man, in your childhood and let your heart make you feel good while you are single, and follow the paths of your heart and that which your eyes see…– until this point the pasuk is referring to the words of the yetzer hara (evil inclination). “… and know that Hashem will bring you to justice for all of these” From this point on are the words of the yetzer hatov (inclination toward good).

Whoever raises a vicious dog in his house withholds kindness from his house, as the pasuk says, "Lamas from his friend kindness" (Iyov 6:14). This is because a dog is called lamas in Greek.

One who lends is greater than one who gives charity, and one who puts money “in the pot” [for others to invest and share the profits] is greater than all of them.

Two Torah scholars who listen to each other in discussion of Halacha, Hashem hears their voices, as it says: “She who sits in gardens, friends listen to your voice, let me hear” (Shir Hashirim 8:13). If they do not listen, they cause the Divine Presence to abandon Israel, as it says: “Escape, by beloved…” (ibid. 14).

Two Torah scholars who listen to each other in discussion of Halacha, Hashem hears their voices, as it says: “She who sits in gardens, friends listen to your voice, let me hear” (Shir Hashirim 8:13). If they do not listen, they cause the Divine Presence to abandon Israel, as it says: “Escape, by beloved…” (ibid. 14).

When two talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars) discuss together matters of Halacha in a calm manner, Hashem listens to them, as it says: “Then the fearers of Hashem had speech (nidberu) one with his friend, and Hashem listened and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear Hashem and think of His Name” (Malachi 3:16). What does it mean, “For those who think of His Name”? Rabbi Ami says: Even if he thought to do a mitzva and he was prevented from performing it, the pasuk treats him like one who performed it.