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- Articles about Hanukkah
This link, however, may not be quite so definite. Ma'oz Tzur describes the hope and anticipation of complete salvation, the pinnacle of which is reached only by the re-building of the Temple. Therefore the mention of "Chanukat ha'Mizbeach" may very well relate to redemption generally and not to Chanukah specifically. In any case, we Jews have adopted the custom of singing Ma'oz Tzur on Chanukah (while a similar idea is reflected in saying "Ve'hi She'amda" on the Seder night and in the post-Megillah-blessing "Harav et Rivenu" on Purim).
The reason for this may be that the salvation of Chanukah is concealed. Thereafter our history, for thousands of years, is one of latent Divine Providence. At times, this makes it difficult to see Hashem's supervision when examining an individual event. But by appraising Jewish history as a whole – the Exodus from Egypt, Purim, the many wars that we have had to fight, etc. – as a revelation of the Divine Hand – we are able to understand that Divine Providence was at work on Chanukah, too. The message from the events of Chanukah to future generations reads loud and clear: Seek Hashem everywhere, even in the darkest, most hidden corners, for He is there!
This message of faith must follow us to the present, to events taking place in our time. It is certainly difficult to see Hashem's Hand in the tragic expulsion from Gush Katif, and the suffering and distress in its wake. Nevertheless, Divine Providence can be found in the return of some 3,000 of the wonderful people of Gush Katif to gainful employment – thanks to the help of our many partners. We have also been privileged to feel Hashem's enormous guidance and help with further Chessed projects which grew out of Jobkatif: Achotenu - for the Ethiopian community, Ta'asuchayil – for impoverished soldiers and Taasukati – professional career and employment guidance for sidelined population sectors.
Please G-d, we will continue to work to light the way for others – and to enable them to discover the great light within themselves.
Happy Chanukah!!
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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.
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.
