Beit Midrash

  • Family and Society
  • Understanding Circumstances
קטגוריה משנית
To dedicate this lesson

The Torah study is dedicatedto the full recovery of

Asher Ishaayahu Ben Rivka

undefined
The present situation in the Persian Gulf is causing many Israelis to worry that Iraq may once again fire missiles at Israel – this time, chemical or biological ones. And though experts say that there exists really little, if any, danger to Israel, the media has nonetheless taken it upon itself to create an atmosphere of fear and tension. For, after all, tension raises the ratings – and what could possibly be more important than raising the ratings?

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.
fast navigation
Lessons
    undefined
    Beha'alotcha

    The Consolation of Lighting the Menora - Rav Kook at the Third Shabbat Meal

    15 Sivan 5784
    undefined
    Beha'alotcha

    Why Was Miriam Punished?

    Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon | 5777
    undefined
    Prayer

    ?How we should dress for Prayer

    Chapter five-part two

    Chapter five-part two

    Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | 5775
    undefined
    Prayer

    Who Can Be Counted in a Minyan?

    Chapter Two-part three

    Can every ten men be a Minyan or are there other conditions?

    Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
    undefined
    P'ninat Mishpat

    Historical View of Rav Mordechai Yaakov Breish (Chelkat Yaakov)

    Various Rabbis | 5775
    undefined
    Happy Occasions

    Fasting and Feasting on a Yahrzeit

    “My father’s yahrzeit falls during the week of sheva brachos for my grandson. May I attend the sheva brachos?” "My yahrzeit falls on Shabbos this year. Do I fast on Friday or Sunday instead?" "I usually fast on my father’s yahrzeit, but someone is honoring me with sandaka’us on that day. Do I fast, and do I need to be matir neder in the event that it is permitted to eat?"

    Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff
    undefined
    Revivim

    Halakha on Abortion of Fetuses with Severe Abormalities

    A fetus is considered a living entity in regards to certain laws, but there is no penalty of death for taking its life. What do the rabbinical decisors say?

    Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
    undefined
    The Haggadah

    Shir Hashirim

    Deeper meaning of Shir Hashirim, The Song Of Songs.

    Various Rabbis | 5770
    undefined
    The Giving of the Torah

    The Day of the Rains and the Giving of the Torah

    According to our Sages, The Day of the Rain is as great as, or even greater than the day of the Giving of the Torah. The basis for this comparison is discussed in depth, as well as additional aspects of the connection between the rains and the Torah.

    Rabbi Uzi Kalchaim zt"l | 5770
    undefined
    The Torah Perspective

    Secular Zionism in the Eyes of Rav Kook.

    How can we understand the rebellion against religion over the past century? What does the world gain spiritually from this rebellion which was foreseen in the mishna 1,800 years ago as part of the period preceding the mashiach? Only after we understand the rebellion can we glean the benefit and relate to our brothers properly.

    Rabbi Ari Shvat | 5769
    undefined
    Redemption - Geula

    When Moshiach Comes

    A summary of the different Brachot we will bless when the Moshiach will walk through the door.

    Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Iyar 5768
    undefined
    Marriage and Relationships

    The Role of Parents in Marriage

    Today, parents can fulfill the commandment of marrying off their children by providing them with a good education at prestigious schools, supporting them so that they be able to learn a profession, and clothing them in attractive attire.

    Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | 5764
את המידע הדפסתי באמצעות אתר yeshiva.org.il