How do we fit in to the picture of G-d’s revelation? If we simply watch the various periods of history, G-d’s open presence seems rather erratic. What decides the level of revelation we’re given? The Ramchal proves through an analysis of history that we are the ones this decision rests upon. Are we ready to do what is necessary to see a fuller picture of G-d? Rabbi Kirzner ends off with a fascinating parallel between human development and the Divine movement toward revelation.
Which conduct of G-d is being used in the world today? All that goes on is some blend of G-d’s justice. While there are various ways to apply it, and the experience of it can change, it all heads back to the same idea. Listen to a fascinating class on the ingredients in the system of justice, how past, present, and future affect it, and how we can see this throughout history.
Is man intrinsically good or intrinsically evil? When analyzing a world that shows humanity to be capable of both to extreme degrees, understanding the depth of the negative and positive drive can be confusing. The Ramchal speaks of G-d’s original creation of man and His decision to grant the potential for great good to come from him. However, that capacity must be balanced by the ability to choose the exact opposite. However, the spectrum of choice can only be traced back to G-d.
What is the underlying message of the spectrum of choice in the world? G-d’s statement to us that He is giving Himself to us, for our good. This means that G-d can be found everywhere and in everything in the world. The physical world is one that would be total darkness would it not be merely a camouflage for the Divine. How can we see past it to choose light?
When first man sinned, the world crashed. Rabbi Kirzner discusses the three kinds of nurturing in the world, and how we are expected to raise ourselves out of the pit we’ve fallen into. Part of the rope we can grab on to is Shabbos – a day that transcends the physical remoteness of the state we are in to help us touch the spirituality greatness we are truly capable of.
Even if we believe God is One, we can often fall into mistaken beliefs about His continued power and existence. Rabbi Kirzner debunks some of these assumptions by shattering the myth of nature and the proposed idea that God has somehow forsaken us.
We live in a very physical world. It’s not apparent to us that our actions have very real ramifications and effects. Everything we do, say, and think impact higher worlds. The energy of thought is particular is very powerful. Rabbi Kirzner explores the strength of our minds, but reminds us that this force has to be coupled with physical actions to really achieve what it is potentially capable of.
We should be choosing to emulate G-d’s positive qualities. However, this is very difficult when we have freedom of choice. Rabbi Kirzner reviews the need for us to have bechirah, and the need for evil to eventually prove G-d’s oneness. How can we learn to see Hashem in the brilliant way He shaped man and his capabilities?
Evil is allowed to rear its ugly head until it grows so great is seems invincible. When G-d then destroys it we come to a tremendous recognition of His power. Couldn’t G-d have created another way besides this painful one to reach the goal? A fascinating discussion of how we choose the methods through which we must learn what is true and what is false.
Adam, the first man, was put into the Garden of Eden to face a spiritual struggle. Eating from the tree or not took overtones of great depth. However, understanding Adam’s greatness makes this confusing – why couldn’t he have figured out what G-d wanted? Rabbi Kirzner discusses the one tool that helps us succeed in every spiritual battle we face: Faith. Why did G-d create reality to be so dependent on this core trait?