articles on Ein Aya on Lag Ba'Omer
Shifting the Focus of Lag Ba'Omer
Rav Tzvi Yehuda would say that Rabbi Shimon - Rabbi Akiva's student - most strongly symbolized the continuation of Rabbi Akiva.
R' Yehuda the Head Speaker
"Why is R' Yehuda everywhere referred to as the head speaker?
Rashbi - Basing Law on Thought
It is important, in preparation for this day, to familiarize ourselves with his doctrine and his approach to study.
The Physical Spiritual
We must draw inner strength from the pearls of the hidden wisdom of the Torah
Lessons on Ein Aya on Lag Ba'Omer
Give Space Before Harmonizing
Ein Aya Shabbat 2, 276
Rav Kook teaches that opposing legitimate ideals inevitably first appear as contradictory, but eventually harmonize with each other. So by all partnerships and inter-personal and relationships, as well as ideological rabbinic machloket.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 25 5781
"Reality Has No Wings" - Revolutions & Improvements Must be Done Patiently
Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 274
Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 274
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyar 16 5781
Clothing
Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 268
What is the idea behind what the Talmud teaches that we must respect clothing? Rav Kook, as always, has innovative ideas behind the topic of clothing, not just in regard to tzniut and modesty, but philosophically, as well.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nissan 5 5781
When Does Judaism Allow Tzaddikim to Separate From the Physical World?
Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 267
ome righteous people, like R. Shimon bar Yochai, already live as if they were in the world-to-come, with just minimal physical pleasure. Their priorities are so clear that they even have difficulty tolerating those who work & live in the "regular" world. The carob tree that miraculously grew for them in the cave, represents selflessness, where even one's planting is for their descendants, not for themselves. Similar to God, Who created this world out of altruism, for us, so too when one plants in Eretz Yisrael he's doing so for generations to come for Israel is our eternal home, as fruit-trees benefit coming generations. In Israel, when in Jewish hands, there's no ideal to separate from this physical world, for even the physical is holy.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5 5781
Why Did Moshe (& Rashbi!) Separate From His Wife & Life?
Ein Aya, shabbat 2, 265
We all know that Judaism stresses and even obligates us to marry and the importance of having a family life, but the question is, why was Moshe, the ideal Jew, davka told to separate from his wife? Rav Kook deals with the issue as he deals with R. Shimon Bar Yochai's similar separation from his wife and from his regular life. In addition to several other explanations, he compares Moshe Rabbenu with Adam and Mashiach..
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 4 5781
The "Sinking" of the Gedolim & the Rise of the Masses
Ein Aya ii, Shabbat 2, 264
"Hitkatnut haDorot", means the generations are going "downhill" as we get further from Sinai. On the other hand, Rav Kook & Ramchal often refer to the "Evolution" built into the world, that mankind is continuously improving through trial & error, better conditions & techniques, not to mention computers and technology. Accordingly, today we see unprecedented masses are learning Torah, including women, unique & innovative programs, the web etc. but the Gedolim are still descending. Rav Kook sees the benefit of this phenomenon, showing the advantages of the massive quest for truth, who davka feel today's rabbis approachable, as a "step-down" mechanism. Similarly, ideas must be revealed in the right time & we can't skip stages nor take shortcuts.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 23 5781
"Hawks" & "Doves" in Our Relationship with Gentiles
Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 263
There always were different approaches as to how we should relate to gentiles. Obviously different approaches are suited for various periods, but Rav Kook helps clarify which to use & when? R. Yehuda praised the Romans' bridges, markets & bathhouses, R. Yossi chose not to comment, & R. Shimon Bar Yochai totally derided them, saying that even those contributions to the Land of Israel were for their own selfish pleasures. The first approach posits to accept the good from the gentiles, & this is the most advantageous & practical approach towards the gentiles themselves, especially during exile. Contrarily, when we can be independent, we must fight evil, for the sake of the weak, for society, & also for the sake of the evil themselves.
Rabbi Ari Shvat
