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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayera
Halacha provides some guidance on the subject allowing for self defense, preemptive strikes and the execution of criminals who threaten society’s existence. Jewish history also provides us with some insight on the matter approving suicide for instance over forced conversions or a life of shame. Because of this elasticity in what appeared to be at first instance to be an absolute value many questions are raised almost always in heartbreaking instances. The question of mercy killing and euthanasia remains on the agenda of the rabbinic responsa in our time though it is basically forbidden in Jewish society. Abortion is also opposed in Jewish law but individual respectable rabbinic advisors and decisors in some exceptional instances have allowed it. The general rules and outlines are clear but in individual cases the matter becomes more fuzzy. Maybe that is why Midrash sees Abraham himself as being conflicted over the matter of the akeida even after the angel of God instructs him not to sacrifice Isaac. The supreme test of humans lies in their ability to conform their behavior to God’s will. That is the only truly absolute value in Judaism which allows for no exceptions or deviations. Abraham is rewarded for his willingness to sacrifice his son and he is rewarded for not actually going through with the sacrifice. The common denominator in Abraham’s seemingly contradictory behavior is his constant willingness to accept God’s will and behave accordingly. This attitude has become the basis for all halachic decisions and Jewish behavior over the ages - the continued attempt to understand and follow through upon God’s will. That is Abraham’s legacy to us.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
