YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Family and Society
- Current Events
- Understanding Circumstances
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
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
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.
