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Beit Midrash
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As long as peace, even in its most minimalist definition, is not a goal in the Arab world regarding its relationship to Israel and world Jewry generally, all negotiations, proposals, schemes, land swaps, etc. are essentially meaningless. The minimum peace that would be acceptable to the vast majority of people residing in Israel is not a matter of borders, Natanyahu and Obama notwithstanding, but rather it is a mutual agreement to live and let live. We have long ago despaired of the immediate prospect of Yeshayahu’s peace being realized by natural means in our time here in the Middle East. But we are very wary of accepting temporary and uneasy quiet, interrupted by more than occasional violence against Jews, as being the desired goal of our policies and government. As long as our basic right to exist as a free and independent state in our homeland is denied it is difficult to see how a live and let live situation can now emerge. And without that minimum definition of peace being realized it is foolhardy in the utmost to give up further real concessions on the ground in order to chase an illusory peace that has no solid definition. I know that this may not be welcome news to us who truly yearn for a peace that is at least live and let live but we should realize that false illusions are very dangerous to our future survival. Better an uncertain but accurate reality than an imaginary rosy reading of a situation that is completely inaccurate, unreal and composed mainly of wishful thinking.
The Hebrew word for peace - shalom - is also in Jewish tradition known as one of the names of God, so to speak. This is because shalom indicates a degree of wholeness and completeness, a unity of which only God is capable of achieving. Peace therefore in this definition and context is not merely the absence of war and violence, as important and vital as that is. It signifies a state of human existence where people can allow others to exist without threat and the necessity of conformity. It envisions a society where live and let live is the norm of human behavior and polity. It allows for a common goal of decency of behavior and service to God and man. And as the prophets have taught us that "every nation may go forth in worship of their gods and Israel will go forth in the name of its God of Hosts." We are a long way away from achieving this goal and state of peace currently. But traditional Jewish thought has taught us that people are not only judged by their actions - what they currently are - but also by what they wish to be - what are their ultimate goals. May He Who has established peace in His high heavens establish it here on earth for all of Israel as well.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
