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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
However we translate the word, experience shows that the feeling of power that can cause one to credit himself more and credit Hashem less can be prompted by either military or financial success. Yirmeyahu extends this phenomenon to the realm of intellect: "Let the wise not pride himself in his wisdom, let the brave not pride himself in his bravery, and let the wealthy not pride himself in his wealth" (Yirmeyahu 9:22). After mentioning the danger of abuses in those three areas, Yeshayahu warns also judges not to abuse the power associated with their high position (Yeshayahu 9:22).
What is one to do when success in the military, the realm of the intellect, finance, and even the judiciary are all corruptive? Can a society survive without these things? We need a strong army, talented entrepreneurs, and an independent and powerful judiciary! Our parasha also contains a reference to a solution.
"Do not say in your heart, when Hashem pushes out [the nations] from before you, ‘Because of my righteousness Hashem has brought me to inherit this Land’" (Devarim 9: 4). Rather our relationship with Hashem is founded upon "... in your fathers Hashem desired to love them and He chose their offspring after them" (Devarim 10:15). From what stems the merit of the forefathers, which enabled their offspring to receive the covenant with Hashem and protects them from harsh punishment (see ibid.:27)? Was it only whatever specific mitzvot that they kept even before the Torah was given at Sinai? Moshe mentions another reason why Bnei Yisrael were successful in conquering the Land, which may shed light on the issue. "For due to the wickedness of those nations Hashem has removed them from before you" (ibid.:5). The symbol of the wickedness of the nations was Sodom. Within the context of the destruction of that wicked city, Hashem declared that He saw the proper education that Avraham gave to his household in regard to "charity and justice." Any power or success can be corruptive if it is not quickly and effectively put in the context of charity and justice. Whereas the nations consistently allowed their power to corrupt, our forefathers were called "the straight ones."
Let us pray that the State of Israel will successfully follow the example of our forefathers, having chayil that is used for good and does not corrupt.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
