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When the nation of Israel finally experiences complete redemption, becoming elevated and exalted in the eyes of all, the purpose of their long and difficult exile will become evident. Why the Jews suffered more than any other nation. Why they were made to be the object of ridicule and mockery to the point where the gentiles disparaged them, saying, "How can you claim to be closer to God than the other nations when we all are witness to your low and downtrodden state. God protects and watches over those whom He cares for. You, however, are persecuted and afflicted by suffering more than any other nation!"
In the future, everything will become understood. It will be made clear that the Jewish people's suffering was not do to their inferiority, but the result of their preeminence.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
33 - 33. God's Covenants with the Jewish People
34 - 34. The Jewish People's Extensive Suffering
35 - 36. Well-balanced Character Traits
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In other words, the suffering experienced by Israel is not merely because of its own iniquities; rather, Israel bears the sins of the entire world. Israel is the source of sickness and the source of health on behalf of all bodily organs. The heart is sensitive and vulnerable. The slightest sense of worry, sorrow, affection, enmity, or fear immediately effects the heart; any quick movement or damage to one of the organs effects the heart. Hence, the heart, because of its extreme sensitivity, must maintain complete health. If this is not the case, it cannot function. It cannot suffer a wound or bruise like other organs. The heart is the source of health because all of the other organs are dependent upon it, and therefore it is also the source of sickness.
This is true of Israel among the nations. Israel suffers more than any other nation because it bears the iniquities of everybody else. Israel is responsible. Israel is the heart. Therefore, God says, "Only you do I know of all the families of the earth, therefore I charge you with all of your iniquities."
Still, the Almighty does not detain the sins of Israel allowing them to add up and thus result in complete destruction. This is what He did to the Amorites, as it is written, "For He did not repay the iniquity of the Amorite until now." He let their sins accumulate to the point where He was able to repay them by destroying them completely. This, however is not the case with Israel; the Almighty forgives the sins of His nations such that they not over accumulate.
To the above, the King of the Khazars responds: "Therefore, we suffer while the rest of the world enjoys respite, but these pains strengthen our faith. They serve to refine the pure ones among us and to remove the wicked from our midst. This is what allows Divinity to attach itself to the world. This is the ultimate purpose of creation - that it be attached to Divinity - and it is brought about via those who are worthy of such, the people of Israel. It is accomplished via Israel's great spiritual leaders, the choicest individuals, the pietists and the prophets."
In sum, the definition of Israel as heart of the nations confirms, on the one hand, Israel's preeminence, on the other, Israel's connection to the nations of the world.
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The biblical quotes in the above article were taken from The Jerusalem Bible (Koren).
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
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
