YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayigash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
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.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
