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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Family and Society
- A Nation and its Halachot
- Army and War
The gemara in Kiddushin (76a-b) already raises the issue. The mishna discusses those whose role in society is confirmation that they must be Jewish (in such cases it is easier to vet their offspring for marriage with "kosher" Jews). One opinion says that one who was a member of David’s army was to be presumed to be a kosher Jew. Rashi explains that when they would be conscripted for a month at a time, their names and family names would be written, and they would be careful about their lineage.
The gemara cites a pasuk (Divrei Hayamim I, 7:40) as corroboration: "All of these were Sons of Asher, the heads of the houses of the fathers, chosen, brave soldiers, the heads of the leaders, and they had confirmed status for the army for battle …" The gemara also explains why their lineage would be checked – "so that their merit and the merit of their fathers would assist them." Then the gemara asks from David’s soldiers who do not appear to be Jewish. "Presumably Tzelek the Amoni was from Amon? No, he was Jewish and he just came from the region of Amon. There was Uriya the Chitite? No, he came from the region of Chet but was a full Jew." The gemara has more trouble with Itai the Gitite because a different gemara (found also in Avoda Zara 44a) says that they used him to nullify the avoda zara status of the crown of one of the kings. The halacha is that such a process can be done only by a non-Jew – see some of the halachic principles on the matter in Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 146:1.
Indeed, the conclusion of the gemara is that there were some people in David’s forces who were of non-Jewish origin and who had not converted, despite their involvement in the Jewish kingdom. The Tashbetz (Shut III, 96), asked whether Uriya was Jewish or not, references the gemara as to the status of Uriya and Tzelek, and concludes that it is not altogether clear. Next week, we will look for a conclusion to these questions.
In the meantime, we want to give our encouragement to the soldiers of the IDF, who are on guard in our Land, wherever they may be. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured
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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.
