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Asher Ishaayahu Ben Rivka
Yet, it is important to realize that fear is damaging in its own right. Our beloved mentor, Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah Kook zt"l, used to say that, just as, in the words of our Sages, "Thoughts of sin are more serious than sin itself," so, too, fear and worry of possible impending danger are more damaging than the danger itself. The psychological effect of worry is more harmful than the threat itself. It is therefore important not to allow oneself to become victim to fear and worry. Though all necessary precautions must be taken in order to be prepared for danger, one must not fear. Caution – yes; fear – no. Fear merely hastens the hardships, as the verse states, "Just as I feared, it came upon me." One who places his trust in Almighty, on the other hand, will be protected by God's compassion and spared hardship.
Yet, because I assume that my words will be heeded by a minority alone, and that the vast majority of Israelis will continue to be woefully misled by the media, I prefer to look for the positive side of the atmosphere of tension which is overtaking the public; for, every situation in the world contains an essentially positive aspect by virtue of which it is granted existence.
Let us consider the manner in which the Israeli public reacts to such a predicament: Some buy plane tickets with the intention of waiting out the war abroad; others adopt the position that it is impossible to solve all the problems in the world, and that we must at least do what is possible here in Israel; still others are awakened to repentance. Their healthy Jewish intuition causes them to return to God. And this ought really to come as no surprise, for the Sages teach that the simple act of king Achashverosh’s removing the ring from his finger and giving it to Haman did more to make the Jews repent than all 48 prophets and seven prophetesses who tried to bring their people back to God. All of them together were unable cause Israel to repent, but the mere removal of the ring succeeded.
Indeed, this continues to be the case even today. I do not know if it is the intention of the media to cause panic in order to awaken the Israeli public to repentance, but it seems to me that this will, at any rate, be one of the results.
Here, then, is the positive aspect of this tension: The danger of missiles from Iraq causes some people to repent.
We pray to the Almighty God of Israel that He beckon us lovingly, not through hardships, and bring about a speedy and complete redemption.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.
