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How to mark such a birthday is always debatable. Many humans mark their birthdays with cakes and parties and merriment. Others prefer to ignore the passage of time in their lives. Still others wait for a magical number of years to pass in order to commemorate a birthday. The State of Israel has a ritualized form of commemoration of its birthday. But like all officially ordained modes of celebration, spontaneity and enthusiasm associated with such a celebration is often lacking. Perhaps simply recognizing and internalizing the existence of this milestone in the life story of the Jewish people is in itself a sufficient commemoration of the event. If the individual Jew alone does not feel the specialness of the occasion within one’s own consciousness then no official commemoration will fill that void. Basically put, Hillel stated this truth when he said: "If I am not for me then who or what will ever be for me!" If the existence and success of the State of Israel is not felt on an emotional and spiritual level but merely on a visceral and objective level then in my opinion the whole point of the enterprise is missed. It is this short-sightedness more than anything else that fuels the attitudes and behavior of the anti-Israel Jewish Left. And no public ceremonies or ritualized commemorations can influence such wrongful convictions.
The prophet Yechezkel warned the Jewish people twenty-five hundred years ago against thinking themselves to being somehow like all other nations and peoples. Israel Independence Day is not the same as Bastille Day or Dominion Day or the Fourth of July. Once it is relegated to that exact status then it loses all emotional and spiritual meaning. And with it, the very existence of the State of Israel also becomes a "mistake," a wrong turn, an ill conceived decision. People have short memories and sixty-three years is a long time for most of us. The inability to teach the lessons of the past that created the State of Israel and saved the Jewish world from incurable depression after the Holocaust is one of the great failings of our society and its educational systems. And again, no public commemoration no matter how impressive in presentation and extravagant in cost will help ameliorate this woeful situation. Somehow education that can reach the Jewish heart and soul and not just the mind and eyes is necessary. For millennia such education was present and transmitted from generation to generation. It needs to be revived in our current world and society. On Israel Independence Day Israel prizes are distributed to people accomplished in the arts and sciences, public welfare and communal leadership. However I believe that the true Israel Prize is to be given to the one who experiences Israel in one’s heart and spirit all of the days of the year.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
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
