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Nowadays I have been concentrating more on my writing – I am middle of, God willing, producing two more books within the near future – and writing requires concentration that should not be easily broken by listening to the broadcast of distracting news. And, finally, I have reached an age where I do not feel as interested in the day-by-day vagaries of human behavior.
At my stage in life, I do not see any reason why I should go looking for trouble and causing myself the stress and aggravation over events that I cannot control, and that rarely affect me on an individual basis.
I do believe though, that every citizen here in Israel should be well-informed. But there are a lot of stories and pseudo-facts that somehow make it into the news broadcasts here in our wonderful little country. There is no reason for me to know about the private lives of certain people, nor ideas that others speculate about and predict events in which they have little expertise or foreknowledge.
So, now I listen to news broadcasts in Israel at the most twice a day, and there are entire days that I remain blissfully ignorant regarding politics, predictions, and expert opinions of others about present or future circumstances and events. I have noticed that this in no way diminishes my interest in life and in world and national events. Now, with news broadcasts in proper perspective, it no longer dominates my day, abuses my mind, nor raises my blood pressure.
By not listening that often to the news broadcasts, I find that I have time and patience to truly assess the events that occur around me. and to form an intelligent position on issues that are current. I feel that I am no more ignorant than I was before, but I am a lot calmer and more settled now that I have been able to get over that absolute addiction of listening many times a day to news programs.
I often wonder if we are much better off than our ancestors, in terms of personal behavior, without radios, TVs, smart phones and, in most cases, even newspapers. Somehow, entire societies without these instruments were and are able to function, and are aware of important national issues, and were able to make decisions based upon their own personal knowledge, experience, and beliefs.
I do not advocate a return to the dark ages, nor do I favor remaining technologically backward in the fast-developing technological wonderland of our world today. Nevertheless, a few moments of self-contemplation during the day, of self-criticism and thought analysis, free from distractions of the technological gadgets that have come to run our lives, would certainly be in order and a benefit to all concerned. We are so busy with the outside world that surrounds us that we have no time to realize that it is the inner world within us that really counts and should motivate and drive our behavior and attitudes.
The distractions of life are many, and there are always obstructions to the development of our spirit and personality, of our true being and mission on earth. I certainly agree that it takes a great deal of discipline to purge the information and addiction that infects us. However, as is the case in conquering all addictions, the road is hard, and the climb is steep. And there always is the danger of falling backwards and reverting to previous behaviors. As in all cases of addiction, there can be success at the end of the road of discipline, and, at least in my case regarding a cure for being a news junkie.
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
