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Beit Midrash
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The Torah tells us that Avraham lived in the Land of the Plishtim for many years (Bereishit 21:34). Avimelech and his general Pichol were the ones who initiated the deal, which stemmed in no small part from their recognition of Avraham’s unique spiritual role. Their statement, "Hashem is with you in all that you do" (ibid. 22) is an admission that Hashem oversees and intervenes in the lives of His creations.
Before Avraham agreed to enter in an agreement with Avimelech, he demanded that Avimelech respond to the fact that his servants stole Avraham’s wells (ibid. 25). One cannot enter into an agreement with a government that does not respect the ownership rights of its constituency.
There is much to learn from Avimelech’s answer: "I did not know who did this matter, and you did not tell me, and I did not even hear of it before today." Several commentators struggle with Avimelech’s apparently rambling answer, looking for significance to its various sections. Afterward, the Torah adds an important point. Avraham took various types of animals and gave them to Avimelech as part of their treaty. This needs explanation: if Avimelech initiated the rapprochement and it is a two-way treaty, then why is it specifically Avraham who offered payment to Avimelech? The following explanation teaches a lot about what was going on.
There are several tasks for a governmental body. The government must provide security both from outside powers and from the abuse of some in society by their counterparts. In order to provide law and order, several steps need to be taken, and it is these that Avimelech addressed. There need to be forces that gather information and warn the authorities of dangers and crimes. Regarding this, Avimelech said: "I did not know who did this matter," i.e., my information gatherers did not report any crime, so I could not act. Another service that a government should provide is to be responsive to the complaints of its citizens. To this he claimed: "… and you did not tell me." Another element is that upon becoming aware of a problem quick action should be taken. To this Avimelech replied: "and I did not even hear of it before today."
The above is from the perspective of the government. What must the citizen do to keep his side of the deal? The most basic obligation is to pay taxes. Paying taxes represents recognition of the dominion of the relevant powers (see Rambam, Gezeilot 5) and doing one’s parts in providing the government with the wherewithal to see to its citizens’ welfare. After Avraham confirmed Avimelech’s recognition of Hashem and his willingness to run a just society, Avraham agreed to be a loyal citizen of the kingdom. His presentation of animals was not only a first payment but a ceremonious recognition of his need to pay taxes.
May the State of Israel succeed in ensuring security from enemies from outside and allow its taxpayers to enjoy pleasant lives without being abused or robbed by unlawful types.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
