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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.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
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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.
