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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
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
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.
