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- Parashat Hashavua
The same "characters" appear in this week’s parasha, but in a foreboding manner. The betrothed man dies before marrying, the one who builds the house dies before occupying it, and the planter of the vineyard dies before eating from it. All of these occur because of the curses that the nation had coming to them due to their sins (ibid. 28:29-30).
The differences between the cases are clear. The order of the people is different, with, in the latter case, the one who betroths a woman going before those who accumulated wealth. There is also no mention of the one who is afraid. Bnei Yisrael do not choose their soldiers, as they are being pursued.
First, let us explain the order. The Tosefta (Sota 7:20) says that Parashat Shoftim teaches the proper order of things: first one worries about his livelihood by building a house and cultivating his field, and then he proceeds to marry. The matter of going back from battle is in increasing level of urgency. If someone who has just started to accumulate wealth can go back home, certainly one who is in the process of marriage should return.
What is the connection between these people and the one who is afraid? There is a difference of opinion on the matter. R. Akiva said that he is indeed simply afraid. R. Yossi Hagelili said that he is afraid because of his sins, and in fact the reason that the others return from battle is to not make the sinner stand out for his sins. According to R. Akiva, there is no connection between the two sets of returnees. According to R. Yossi, one serves the other. As Rav DZ Hoffman wrote, otherwise he would be embarrassed that they would say that he was not willing to give his life to protect his nation and country. We see, then, that specifically it is the G-d-fearers who are expected to be at the head of the fighting forces.
Let us suggest another explanation. Before going to battle, it is necessary to be sure that one is willing to risk his life for the Torah, the nation, and the Land, without condition. If he is concerned that he will be distracted by personal things that will make him fearful, then he must be released immediately. He will not have the privilege of taking part in the important mitzva of protecting the land and the nation. While serving in the army is an obligation, it is mainly a privilege. The matter of the fearful is not merely a list of people to be freed but explains why one who cannot concentrate on the task at hand will not be able to take part in the mitzva.
Let us hope that at the head of every military unit, we will have men of the highest spiritual and moral standing. Let us pray that students of Torah will enlist and volunteer specifically to combat units.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
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.
