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Our Sedra, however, lists 3 legitimate exemptions from joining the battle (there is a dispute as to whether this applies only to an optional war, or also to an obligatory war). The exemptions for staying home are:
If one built a house but had not yet lived in it; if one planted a vineyard & had not yet availed himself of its produce; if one had betrothed a woman but had not yet actually married her. These are elemental milestones in one’s life which Hashem, in His infinite kindness, does not want us to miss out on.
The Torah then goes on to list another category: If one is frightened or soft-hearted he, too may be sent away from the battle. Rashi brings two very different approaches: Rabbi Akiva says this refers to one who cannot bear the sight of blood & risks demoralizing his fellow soldiers. Rav Yosi Haglili differs; he says it refers to one who is afraid that he has sinned, & so is filled with anxiety and concern that that Hashem will not protect him in the war.
Rav Yosi adds an amazing postscript: The first three categories of exemption, he says, are only provided so as to give the sinner a pretext as to why he is withdrawing from the army; he can blame it on the other reasons, so no one will know why he really is leaving!
The implications of Rav Yosi’s comments are stunning. On the one hand, it demonstrates the high value we place on not shaming another, even to the extent that we create a subterfuge so that he may avoid embarrassment. At the same time, Rav Yosi is telling us that, in reality, there is no "good" reason to refrain from joining ones’ comrades in arms in times of crisis; only negative reasons.
As for Rabbi Akiva, who most exemplified the concept of talmidei chachamim fighting the holy battles of Hashem, why does he not allow for the concept of a person being scared of his having sinned? Writes the Lubavitcher Rebbe: The very fact that one is worried about his actions is in itself a form of teshuva & enough of a reason for G-d to forgive his indiscretions & so protect him in battle!
Let us pray that our spiritual merit enables us to maintain the peace & avoid war. But if, G-d forbid, the time comes when we must fight, let us have the strength to do so without any fear or self-doubt.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
