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Then there is the nation itself. In times of war, in societal decisions (such as marking boundaries) & in setting up refuge cities where manslaughters can be safe, the whole country has a high moral standard to uphold. The operative code word that encompasses all these many laws is "Tzedek, tzedek tirdof – justice, justice shall you pursue."
The commentators, of course, focus on the doubling of the word tzedek. Rashi says this means one should go to the most competent court (or rabbi!) rather than choose a decisor who they already know will agree with them.
Another explanation is that justice must be pursued with justice, because in the eyes of halacha, the end does not justify the means. In other words, "getting there" is no less important than the destination itself; one cannot perform a mitzvah or chesed by means of a sin.
This past week, there was yet another demonstration by handicapped individuals in Israel, who are seeking greater benefits from the government. This time, they decided to block the national rail line. As a result, train service came to a halt for several hours. It was Sunday, when hundreds of soldiers were returning after Shabbat to their bases. It was a particularly ill-advised action, as the army had declared a high alert due to tension in the North.
Previous demonstrations have blocked highways & the entrance to major cities, preventing patients from getting to hospitals, & even ruining several weddings because brides & grooms were stuck for hours in stalled traffic. Not only are these actions against the law; they are also a crime against society, demonstrating a complete lack of concern for others, from those who themselves claim that not enough concern is being shown to them!
Justice cannot be a "zero-sum" arrangement, whereby my gain invariably requires your loss. This, then, may be another reason why "tzedek" is repeated; Tzedek for me, but also tzedek for the other person in equal measure.
Only when justice is across the board – favoring no one over another - can a just society be maintained. Tziyon tipade ba’mishpat – Israel will be redeemed only through justice, said Navi Yeshayahu, for then everyone will benefit - at no one else’s expense.
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.