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This latest wave of terror is being called the "Knife Intifada," as Palestinians randomly stab those waiting at a bus stop or a train station. The latest victims are a beautiful 26-year old woman, an occupational therapy teacher; & a 20-year old soldier, one of twins – may Hashem avenge their blood & crush our enemies.
These desperate acts by depraved criminals will fail, as I said. The reason can be found in the Parsha we just finished. There we are told about two knives of our own, special knives that stand out in history. One is the knife used to circumcise Yitzchak - the very first Brit Mila performed on any Jewish child; the second knife is that of the Akeida, the knife which Avraham lifted, but did not use.
These knives symbolize faith, continuity, life. When we bring a child into the Brit shel Avraham, we attest to the fact that our bond with Hashem – a bond that began in the days of the Patriarchs – is ongoing & never-ending. Moreover, Yitzchak’s particular Brit – coming as it did when his parents were old, seemingly beyond child-bearing age – reminds us that we live miraculous lives, above & beyond nature, serving as evidence that no mortal force can ever overcome us.
The knife of the Akeida is an equally-powerful symbol of our unbreakable partnership with G-d, an indication that we will go to any limit whatsoever to demonstrate our allegiance to Him. That, in turn, invokes an equal response from above: Hashem will do whatever it takes to defend us & keep us alive as a People.
The knife in the Akeida is called a "ma’a’chelet," an unusual name, to say the least. Chazal say it derives from the word "ochel" - food, or sustenance – indicating that we are "fed," or sustained, throughout the generations by virtue of the sacrifices we make – such as the Akeida - to remain faithful servants of G-d.
Our response to this latest challenge is the same as it always has been: Be vigilant, but continue to live our everyday life. Show no fear - & certainly no mercy – to the terrorists; give them no satisfaction whatsoever in their evil desires. Pray to Hashem to keep us strong, redouble our love for our fellow Jews.
And for those reading this who still reside outside Israel, book your flights & come be a part of history!
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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.
