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The similarities of that era to our current Jewish society here in Israel are striking. There is a determined group here that despises religion and Torah and demonizes those of their fellow Jews who do not subscribe to their agenda and "progressive" world outlook. The Charedim are "parasites" at best and "vermin" (in the words of a noted media reporter here) usually. The Religious Zionists are "settlers" - a term of vilification and derision. The extremists on the Left are "heroic" and "peace loving" while all others are really only "undermining Israeli security." And there are no moral strictures or social inhibitions to any sort of behavior. Having children and living a traditional family life is derided while promiscuity and unlimited experimentation with body and soul is exalted. Truly, everyone can see fit to do whatever one wishes and there are no limits placed on behavior, speech and debate. And coalition governments by their very nature are weak and the politicians in the country are not held in high regard especially in the wake of the sordid scandals that have dogged so many of them. And much of the values systems taught in our schools has little if any Jewish content to it with much emphasis on facts - bagrut - and little on spirit and loyalty.
But the Book of Shoftim/Judges in spite of all of its gloom provides flashes of optimism and hope. There are military victories - Gideon, Devorah and Barak, Shimshon, etc. - and there are also relative periods of peace and calm in the country, decades long. And there is an obvious longing within the people to somehow return to a status and level of Torah observance and at least a minimum level of piety and social justice and comportment. And there are great people waiting in the wings that will reverse all of the negative trends of the people. The prophet Shmuel and the kings Shaul and David are about to appear on the scene and fight the battles of Israel, both spiritual and physical, and triumph and insure the continuity of the Jews and the land of Israel. The true test of Israel is its ability to pass through such a period of crisis and despair. The power of belief and resilience has been the greatest asset of the Jewish people over all of its ages and trials. The Book of Shoftim/Judges is but a prelude to the book of Shmuel and its story of Jewish greatness in the Land of Israel thousands of years ago. Our time of Shoftim/Judges will also somehow lead to an eventual strengthening of Torah and wisdom amongst all of us.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
