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The Shulchan Aruch (Even Haezer 17) says that, Rabbinically, we are not able to rely on rov (indication based on majority) as proof of a husband’s death so that his wife can remarry. For example, one who was known to have been on a ship that sunk in water "whose ends cannot be seen" and was not found thereafter cannot be presumed dead, even though a majority of people who are in such a situation and are not heard from are dead (see Yevamot 121a). However, it is possible to rely on a siman muvhak (a particularly convincing sign) to permit the wife. For example, if an otherwise unrecognizable body was found on shore near the shipwreck with six fingers on its hand, when the husband had six fingers, we can permit the presumed widow to remarry (Shulchan Aruch ibid. 24). Most contemporary poskim rule that one can rely on identification based on DNA of a deceased who was found, a fact that was used in permitting some of the widows of the Twin Towers.
Regarding determining one’s status as a Jew, it is possible to rely on rov (see Pesachim 3b and Yevamot 47a and Tosafot ad loc.). Thus, by comparison, it is clear that one is allowed to rely on a siman muvhak for determining Jewish status. If it is possible to say that the mtDNA test is a reliable indicator of matrilineal Jewish descent or at least a strong rov, then it would be possible to halachically rely upon it, if the check is done by a reputable genealogical laboratory.
We have been working hard, in partnership with an important beit din in the F.S.U. and with leading scientists, to research the evidence on this matter intensively and responsibly. If we determine that the answer is affirmative, we will call upon leading halachic authorities and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to call upon the Israeli government to turn the implementation of this research into a national project. As stated, this would be able to help many (from within a group of 300,000 to 500,000) with no other evidence, or at least with some but insufficient, halachically recognized evidence of their Jewishness.
Let us pray that we will be successful in helping in this painful issue.
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.