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There is a third Mitzva, found in our Sedra, which also promises arichat yamim; long life, and that is the Mitzva of Even Sh’lema, having honest weights and just measures (25:13-15).
What is the connection between these three Mitzvot?
The link between honoring parents and living longer makes perfect sense. If we take good care of our father and mother – attending to their needs when they get older and may be incapable of fending for themselves – then our children will see what we did for our parents, and they, in turn, will follow our example and (hopefully) do the same for US. This will invariably help us to live longer.
The same dynamic applies to the law of shiluach hakeyn. As the Ramban explains, this act of kindness to a member of the animal kingdom helps to instill compassion within us, so that we will surely care for our flesh-and-blood mother (and father) and treat them, too, with loving
kindness when they need our assistance.
But what about the weights and measures? How does this third Mitzva link up to the other two?
The commandment of even sh’lema is not just about being scrupulous in our business dealings. It is about the greater virtues of integrity, and honesty. We must do that which is right and fair in ALL our actions, not just in the workplace. And if we are to be truly honest, we will surely
acknowledge the massive debt we owe to our parents.
Did they not do anything and everything for us in our tender years? Did they not shower us with love, sacrifice for us, place all their hopes and dreams in us? When we were small and vulnerable, they protected us, fed us, guided us. And now – when age has reduced their capabilities – it is OUR turn to do the right thing and see to THEIR needs.
Fascinating, isn’t it? The Hebrew word "even" – stone, or weight - is a combination of "av" and "ben;" parent and child! When we honestly and fairly weigh our debt to Ima and Abba, and do the right thing, their lives will be lengthened and ours will certainly be blessed.
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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.