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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
Shmuel invoked the heavens, bringing about a powerful summertime thunderstorm (a rare occurrence in Israel), to prove that his reaction to the demand of a king was warranted. The people were so convinced that they begged Shmuel to pray that they should not die. Shmuel responded with the strangest of lines, "Do not fear; you have done all of this evil ..." (Shmuel I, 12:20). What does that mean? If they did evil, then they have a lot to fear.
A central difference between monarchy and other forms of leadership is that monarchy is inherited (Devarim 17:20). Even if a proper king is chosen, his son who succeeds him can bring on devastating consequences and is rarely able to be replaced. We find the righteous Chizkiyahu succeeded by the wicked Menashe, who ruled for 55 years. Thus, monarchy is national Russian roulette. Previously Hashem had handpicked the appropriate leader according to the generation’s needs and merits (see Shmuel I, 12:11). In effect, Bnei Yisrael asked for political normalcy at the expense of Divine Providence.
Shmuel’s enigmatic statement was actually two-pronged. Bnei Yisrael’s request was not a punishable sin, as the Torah made provisions for monarchy, and, therefore, there was no reason to fear imminent death. However, since they had requested it improperly (however you explain it) they would not merit the Divine protections to minimize the potential abuses of monarchy. In that way, they were to blame for all of the future consequences that flowed from a system that through the generations would bring on sin, torment, and destruction. Although "you have done all of this evil," the pasuk continues, "do not stray from Hashem and serve Him with all your hearts." In other words, even if Bnei Yisrael’s improper request put them in a difficult predicament, nationally and religiously, they still had the ability to rectify matters with exceptional dedication to Hashem.
In personal lives, people make many decisions that are not between permitted and forbidden, but are still decisions that set the stage for the likely course of their lives. A choice of spouse, a profession, a neighborhood, and children’s education are examples of choices that may not be between assur or mutar, but whose consequences could be as costly as the biggest sin or, hopefully, as rewarding as the greatest mitzva. May we all choose well.
Shoftim Can a Sheitel be Prohibited Because of Avodah Zarah?
A Background Discussion about the use of Indian Hair
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
