articles on Texts of Jewish Thought
Lessons on Texts of Jewish Thought
Relating to That Which is Difficult to Believe
Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 75
Rav Kook deals here with , the importance of studying history, even regarding thoughts or plans that were raised but not implemented. G-d runs the world on many levels and we shouldn't just relate to actions that came into fruition, but also thoughts, intentions and dreams. Children think that only that which you see is what exists, but today, sound waves, electric waves, antennas and even modern art show a more mature mankind that we are ready also to think more abstractly. This concept provides an innovative way of understanding various incidents mentioned in the Tanach, Talmud and Midrash, as well as aspects of emuna or faith that some may find difficult to believe or understand.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5785
Tolerance but Not at All Costs
Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 73
Rav Kook innovatively explains how did King Solomon even consider building alters for the idolatry of his wives?! He deals with the 2 ways of Kiruv: having the non-religious go "Cold-Turkey" to the extreme, totally severing all ties with their past; or alternatively: showing tolerance and gradually convincing them to see the good in their present life-style but to leave the bad and advance gradually. Rav Kook, although usually seeing the good in everything, & taking the gradual more tolerant approach, here shows the other side of the coin, & differentiates why regarding certain "red-lines" like idolatry, there is "zero tolerance".
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 5785
Orchot Tzaddikim class 56, "Stay Quiet" i
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 5785
The Solution to 'Risky' Intellectual Topics
Ayn Aya, Shabbat v, 72
Parents, teachers and rabbis grapple with the issue of what to do with risky intellectual topics or controversial questions that sometimes can cause more harm than good! Rav Kook, as always, has some innovative suggestions on the topic, which are highly recommended and relevant for all parents and mechanchim, and also deal with the advantages and disadvantages of more "open" or "closed" education for our children, in the challenging generation of today.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 5785
What was King Solomon's Mistake? Truth must be 100% Clarified
Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 71
Rav Kook deals with the basic difference between emotion (which sometimes must be overcome) as opposed to intellect and truth, which must always be clarified, for there is no such thing as 99% true! Accordingly, he suggests an innovative explanation as to what caused King Solomon to sin, and the great challenge in running a Jewish State.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 5785
Orchot Tzaddikim class 55, "Forgetfulness"
Among things we should always remember, is to focus on how how our essence is our knowledge and spirituality, for a person who looks fine but is a fool is a tragedy. Also, to focus on concentrating during prayer, and many more things.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 5785
Orchot Tzaddikim class 54, "Remembering" part iv
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5785
