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Yaakov Ben Behora
Although the commentaries put most effort into explaining telech rachil, much can be learned from the word, b’amecha, which translates, in your nation. The Netziv claims that it delineates to whom the commandment applies, to our nation. This explanation gives the word a technical function, providing information about the commandment’s parameters, but not defining its essence. We may note that when the Torah wants to teach that limitation, it usually uses reacha or amitecha, your friend or compatriot. Two p’sukim after this one the Torah refers to the commandment applying to "b’nei amecha," the people of your nation, which seems to be a more precise usage.
A lot can be learned from the Ramban’s understanding of b’amecha. First, let us see a little background. The gemara (Arachin 16a), in a related context within the laws of lashon hara, coins a phrase, "chavrach chavra it lei," your friend has a friend. This illustrates that the "juicy information" that a handful of people are told makes it through the grapevine to many friends and acquaintances. The Ramban explains, along these lines, that the gossip one tells his friend about a third person will likely be known by the nation, or at least a sizable part of it.
This concept of the word spreading can be understood to warn of lashon hara’s severity from a quantitative perspective. Not only will a couple people know the potentially damaging information, but the masses will. However, it can also highlight the unique element of the aveira of lashon hara. Sins between man and his Maker usually involve one person, the sinner. Sins between man and man generally involve a minimum of two people, the oppressor and the oppressed. Lashon hara is a unique sin in that it directly involves at least three people, the gossiper, the recipient of the information, and the subject of the gossip. As the Ramban points out, this is the tip of the iceberg, as the word may spread to others. The point, though, is that it is a public sin, almost by definition. Indeed lashon hara creates negative terms of engagement for the interaction of society on all levels.
Let us pray and strive to have a nation that interacts in a manner of looking for what is good in each other.
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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.
