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From one perspective, the establishment of the State of Israel created a challenge for the poskim of the generation regarding the status of the secular courts in Israel. There was great pain for the Torah observant community when the government decided to base the State of Israel’s law system on Ottoman and English law. This was one of the driving forces in Rav Shaul Yisraeli z.t.l.’s decision to launch our Eretz Hemdah beit din system, in which we have clear rules and procedures, ethical guidelines, a clear arbitration agreement, and we are careful to seat talmidei chachamim with great Torah knowledge and a breadth of wisdom. Such a beit din can recommend halachic solutions for a host of contemporary problems.
We sought partners, including the Mishpetei Eretz research center, to prepare halachic position papers on crucial issues. These position papers become the standard for the rulings of the entire Eretz Hemdah-Gazit beit din network. The last position paper was on the matter of payment for causing the loss of profits.
We are obviously not able to reinstate authentic Torah-level semicha (ordination), and we are also not able to present to the public a holistic halachic legal system that is tailor-made for a modern economy. However, we are able to present litigants with a just solution to their disputes on virtually any topic. This we do on a regular basis, with professionalism and transparency, according to the principles of Halacha and Jewish justice, as our great poskim have done over all the generations.
According to the guidance of Rav Yisraeli, we see cooperation with the Israeli legal system as a means of promoting the solutions to societal problems. There are even some times when the rulings of the general courts are binding according to Halacha (see Mishpetei Shaul 43, regarding a unanimous decision by Rav Yisraeli, Rav Elyashiv, and Rav Aboudi).
We should also note that it is the state’s obligation to take care of the welfare and safety of the populace. This includes the penal elements of the court system. Rav Yisraeli (Amud Hayemini I,9:12) posited that a government that is supported by the people has the authority to punish those who commit felonies. This is not against the Torah as long as it is done to make society run smoothly. Beit din is allowed to get involved in such areas only under special circumstances.
We pray that Hashem will return us to a time of just courts, which will renew Yerushalayim to the status of the "city of justice" (see Yeshaya 1:26-27).
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.