Musar Avicha Shul

Time, space, and the physicality of man are three basic elements of our world and are the sources of what separates Man from Hashem. Hashem is above the materialistic man, is infinite in time and is not confined to any space. Those three elements are essential in Jewish theology because all three are greatly sanctified in Judaism. The purpose of our creation is to uplift the material and to make it spiritual. In Judaism, we maximize our being (man), space and time.

The smallest things in life can always keep our spirits high. Sacrifices in Jewish thought represent the highest level of sanctity. Many sacrifices are given on the holiest of Jewish holidays to enhance the meaning behind these sacred days. Sacrifices are meant to be a sort of mirror for Jews. Behind them lie the deepest messages for an individual. The Ramban is famous for declaring that when a person offers a sacrifice to atone for a sin and witnesses the process of the animal being slaughtered and burned on the Altar, he should see himself as if he himself is the offering.

Judaism requires complete dedication from Jews. There are no shortcuts in Judaism. A Jew must be willing to dedicate everything to serving Hashem. This not only includes material aspects but emotional ones as well. Rav Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk, the founder of the deep analytical model of learning Talmud, discusses the intent one should have during prayer.

Faith in a superior power is the most basic foundation of almost every religion. A large percentage of the world’s population over the centuries has had the belief in an ultimate being who had created our world. Judaism’s most elemental principle is the fact that Hashem created this world and controls everything according to his will. Many centuries ago, many different types of non-monotheistic religions existed, such as polytheism, Paganism and other different types of idol worship.

Rav Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen (Rav Kook) is famous for, amongst other things, his views on the importance of the Nation of Israel in Judaism. According to Rav Kook, an elemental factor in religious practice is the idea that one must feel connected and dedicated to the whole of the Jewish people.