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Beit Midrash
- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Serving Hashem, Mitzvot and Repentance
This situation has changed radically over the past century. Most of American Jewry is not assimilated - it is simply completely ignorant of its faith. There is no longer a societal bond, language or calendar that binds them to their token faith. They are abysmally ignorant of everything about Judaism. Every new "progressive" idea dominates their worldview and they impose these currently correct ideas on Judaism. Is there any wonder therefore that the rates of assimilation and intermarriage remain so depressingly high? Faith and tradition cannot take root in the soil of Jewish ignorance. This not only applies to Jewish observances but it applies to the attitude of Jews towards the Land of Israel and the Jewish state therein as well. Ignorant of Jewish history and tradition, bereft of any knowledge of Judaism and its values, naively accepting the propaganda of our enemies as being true or at the very least worthy of equal consideration, is there any wonder then that the lies of the Left are accepted and acted upon by these well-meaning but destructive Jews? As long as Jews are more familiar with Shakespeare than Isaiah we remain in danger of losing an entire generation of Western Jews to further assimilation and intermarriage.
The situation here in Israel is somewhat more complicated, better and more hopeful. However here also the problem now is no longer the rebellious unbelievers of a century ago, the doctrinaire atheists and Marxists who controlled the yishuv and later the country for much of the past century, but rather a generation of ignorant Jews who speak Hebrew but know little about Judaism and its values and observances. The Israeli secular school system has been drained of any traditional Jewish education over the past few decades. There are no longer contestants for the prizes in the world bible contest from secular Israeli schools. Yet there is a longing for some sort of Jewish life here and the correct formula for developing such a society has not yet been developed. The Jewish holidays here are a great unifying factor, even for those who choose not to observe them in any traditional form. At least everyone in Israel is aware that there is a holiday called Shavuot, something that unfortunately cannot be said regarding Western and American Jewry. But there really is no substitute for knowing when it comes to Jewish life and the survival of Judaism and Israel. It is the core problem that faces the Jewish world in our time and it will take great effort, immense resources and tenacious will to be able to grapple with it successfully.
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
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.
