Creativity expresses spirituality

Hi, "Literature, drawing and carving actualize all of the spiritual concepts imprinted in the depths of the human soul. As long as even a single line revealed in the depths of the thinking, feeling soul remains unactualized, we remain obligated to use crafts to produce it." (Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook, Introduction to Shir haShirim) Have a great day, Mordechai

The essence of Judaism eludes us

Hi,

"In our "enlightened" times, Jewish souls are deceived by the delusion of "double concealment." Too frequently, we offer lifeless prayers in the midst of animated personal conversation and drag ourselves through the details of Orthodox Judaism. We have forgotten the purpose of life, while observing its regulations. We have lost our sense of divine yearning and subsequently have stopped yearning ourselves. We proceed cheerfully with the business of establishing institutions and supporting more Jewish causes, not realizing that the essence of Judaism eludes us.

"Rav Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev once gathered all the Jews of Berditchev in the main synagogue, rose to the bimah and called out: "Jews, do not forget there is a Gd in Heaven!" To this end our beis medrash was established -- to stop the inertia of apathy, to tear away at least one mask of concealment and call out "There is a Gd in Heaven!""

(Rav Moshe Weinberger, Jewish Action, Fall 5760)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Rav Kook on Organizational Operations

Hi,

"What I find difficult is that most of the practical-minded people who are drawn to our movement turn their eyes to matters of authority, while my own eyes and heart are raised to the spiritual content and the foundation in sanctity.

"It is clear to me that however the matters of authority go, if a sacred spirit is with them then they will turn out for the best."

(R' Avraham Yitzchak haKohen Kook, Letter from 1919, Igrot haRa'ayah 3:262)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Spiritual intent in a material world

Hi,

"We are taught, 'All of your deeds should be for heaven's sake.'

"This is an important, all-encompassing statement. It means this:

"A person must involve himself in affairs of the world and in the development of civil society, for the sake of material needs. This lesson instructs us that even when we are involved in such matters, our intent should still be, specifically, for completion of the soul."

(R' Menachem Meiri on Pirkei Avot 2:16)

Have a great day,
Mordechai