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One of Chazal’s most difficult dictums is, "Just as we bless G-d for the good, so must we bless Him for the bad. In this world we recite two brachot: Ha’Tov V’Hametiv (He is good & does good) for happy news; & Dayan HaEmet (G-d is the true judge) for sad tidings; but in the next world we shall only recite the former, as we will see the good in ALL that G-d does."
I often caution well-meaning individuals against telling mourners: "Gam zu l’tova, everything is for the best." While this may indeed be true, it cannot be imposed on one who is suffering; he must come to that conclusion all on his own. When a loved one dies tragically, high-minded cliches are generally useless, & often they are cruel & hurtful.
Moshe Rabbeinu also agonized over Jewish suffering in a world controlled by an all-powerful G-d of Mercy & Compassion. He also questioned how Paro could be held accountable for his obstinance if G-d hardened his heart. Both these issues take center stage in Vaera.
Hashem guides a person in the way he wishes to go, facilitating his decision while keeping his free choice intact. Paro wishes to act arrogantly & live in denial, & so G-d lets him do just that. Paro passes on all the many chances he is given to save his country; & so, what began as a simple request for a 3-day pass in the desert turns into our total redemption. Paro's stubbornness, in effect, provides our salvation.
But Paro was not alone among our historical foes in this regard. Imagine where we would be today if our enemies had not held fast to their intransigence & pathological hatred of us! We would have received a truncated, tiny, indefensible State in 1947; we would never have unified our holy capital in 1967; we might have accepted the horrendous deal which Messrs. Barak, Arafat & Clinton (Mr. Hillary) tried to force on us in 2001 at Camp David, which included ceding Har HaBayit to the murderous Palestinians!
But, B"H, our enemies were stubborn & selfish. Their hearts were hard, & they rejected peace. And so we prevailed, & the tragedy became triumph. Their rejection, thanks to G-d, became our reward, time & time again.
Next week’s sedra also speaks of Time (HaChodesh Hazeh Lachem), perhaps to teach us that tragedy - such as the one which befell the Jewish People last week in Paris - must always be filtered through the prism of time. Time provides the perspective that illuminates the darker moments of our life & reveals the blessings that lie hidden beneath the tears.
What is "good" or what is "bad?" Only time will tell.
Parashat Hashavua Parashat Hashavua: “With a Strong Hand He Will Expel Them from His Land
Harav Shaul Yisraeli – from Siach Shaul, p. 205-6
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
