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- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
Answer:There are two categories of objects/situations one can have on his body without violating carrying on Shabbat without an eiruv: 1. Begadim derech malbush (clothes worn normally); 2. Tachshitim (adornments or accessories) (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 301 at length). The category of tacshit includes things that are placed on the body to help the body function properly (see Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata 18:11), including slings, arch supports, glasses, etc.
The first thing we need to see is whether decreasing the chance of danger is a positive use regarding these halachot. The mishna and gemara (Shabbat 60-61) discuss the circumstances under which one can wear an amulet in the public domain. Rashi (ad loc.) explains that when used appropriately, an amulet "is a tachshit for an ill person, like one of his garments." Not only is that true when used for healing, but warding off illness from those susceptible to it justifies wearing it as well (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 301:26). Thus, wearing something that can reduce the chance of getting hit by a car, Heaven forbid, e.g., in a dark area without traffic lights and/or sidewalks, is legitimate. On the other hand, two distinctions challenge the proof from this and similar sources.
One distinction is that the amulet protects a person from within, whereas a reflector helps in regard to an external danger (cars). Nevertheless, logic dictates that the source of the danger should not make a difference in this regard (L’horot Natan VIII:18).
A stronger distinction is that regarding the amulet, one is "using" the amulet on an ongoing basis. In contrast, sometimes one wears the reflector for a long walk in which only a short time will be in a dark, dangerous place. What is the status of the reflector the rest of the time? The Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata (18:16) and Yalkut Yosef (301:32) say that one should not wear reading glasses, which one often carries in his pocket, because of the rabbinic concern that he may take them off and carry them. Why not state an intrinsic problem – reading glasses are not used while on the street – as the Orchot Shabbat (28:127) claims? Apparently, the fact that they are generally usable and/or will be used later is sufficient. Even the Orchot Shabbat may agree that it is sufficient for it to be useful sometime during this walk.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Various Rabbis
44 - Making Up the Money Absconded by a Middleman
45 - Wearing a Reflective Armband on Shabbat Without an Eiruv
46 - Hamapil for Those Who Take a Long Time to Fall Asleep
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Our case is somewhat reminiscent of the badges Jews were required to wear by law (centuries before the Nazis y"s). The Rama (OC 301:23, based on the Ohr Zarua II:84) says they could be worn but only if they were attached (not necessarily sewed) to the clothes. The reason given for leniency is that one wears them all week long and would not dare take it off (see Mishna Berura ad loc.) – logic that does not fully apply here. The Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata (new edition18:25), says that one is permitted to wear reflective belts on Shabbat, as it is considered a normal mode of dressing, and the Rabbis did not forbid because it is for protection. It is not clear, though, if an armband is considered a normal mode of dress.
We would certainly not tell someone who needs a reflective band for safety to not wear one. However, from a halachic perspective it is better to either: have one permanently attached to a real garment; to wear a reflective vest, which is a normal garment (even if it looks funny); or at least use a reflective belt (belts are semi-clothes, semi-accessories of necessity (see sources related to Rama OC 301:36)). If only an armband is available, one can be lenient.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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.
