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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.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
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
