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simha bat hana
We find, then, that seasonal rainfall and other such laws of nature which appear to function without any relation to the behavior of man, do not apply to the people of Israel. Rather, regarding Israel, goodness is bestowed upon them when they walk in the path of God. All of this was the case when Israel resided in its land, until they were exiled as a result of their iniquities.
In other words, Israel enjoys a kind of closeness to God already in this world. God watches over them and reveals Himself to them and draws them near to Him. He revealed Himself to them through taking them out of Egypt with miracles and wonders and with an outstretched arm. He parted the sea before them and closed it upon the Egyptians. He sustained the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years and gave them the Torah and the Tablets of the Covenant. He sent them Moses His prophet upon whom Divinity rested. This was evident by the fact that Moses' face shone brightly and he radiated so much light that nobody could gaze upon him.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
24 - 24. The Significance of the World to Come
25 - 25. The World to Come – Further Clarification
26 - 26. This World and the World to Come
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When a person lives according to the Torah and its commandments, his life takes on a Divine dimension - "You who attach yourselves to God your Lord are all living today." Here, in this world, you attach yourselves to God – all of you attach yourselves, today and everyday.
In this respect, Judaism is different than other religions which preach closeness to God and reward after death while possessing no proof in this world of such a reward and no Divine revelation. Israel, however, is close to God in this world and the light of the Divine Presence shines upon them and permeates them. They exist on a lofty level, and it is only natural that this trait should continue after death. When one departs from life in this world, life continues in the World to Come.
In the days when the Divine presence dwelled in Israel's midst and God revealed Himself in an unmistakable manner, there was never any question as to whether or not one should worship God, what sort of reward was in store for those who did, or what would happen after death. The reason for worshiping God was clear to all: in order to cling to Him. The act of clinging to God's greatness was itself a pleasure. The question of what happens after life never arose when life itself was so exalted. It was obvious to all that an ascending continuum existed between this world and the World to Come. Only with the spiritual decline that took place over the course of time did there arise a need to address the question of Israel's portion World to Come. "All of Israel has a place in the World to Come" (Pirkei Avot).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.