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Beit Midrash
In moments of crisis, there is a temptation to get sucked into apocalyptic and pessimistic predictions. Part of developing resilience is the ability to recognize realistic hope amidst the darkness. Believing in God is not naïve or banging one's head against the wall, but identifying a broad trend that advances the world despite terrible crises. Many now quote Churchill, who anticipated "blood, sweat, and tears" for the British people at the beginning of World War II, but we also must remember that at the same time, he also predicted an optimistic and realistic scenario for the continuation of the war (US intervention, stretching Germany's resources beyond its capabilities, etc.).
We pray for national courage to make this war the last; however, it is also worthwhile to mentally prepare for a slower scenario: the war in the south will be difficult, but in the end, Hamas will be defeated; and even if Israel cannot completely clean up Gaza, the southern front will remain quiet for a period of time that will allow the State of Israel to better prepare for the next round. It is unclear whether the northern front will erupt into a region-wide campaign, but even if it does, Israel, backed by the United States, will be able to withstand it, even if at a heavy price.
In any case, the post-war State of Israel will have an infinitely stronger national identity than before the war. Any government that is formed will place security at the top of the list of priorities, and the neglected preparation for external and internal threats will be addressed in a more appropriate manner and with broad consensus. And there are also future developments that could fundamentally change the next campaign (laser, etc.). At the same time, the economic prosperity and demographic and cultural processes in the State of Israel will continue to intensify: social cohesion, increasing Jewish and national identity, acceleration of the integration of the ultra-Orthodox sector, etc.
The Arab and Muslim world is also not made of one entity; many hope for the fall of Iran (which itself is in the midst of internal turmoil), and trends such as the Abraham Accords and rapprochement with Saudi Arabia will eventually push back the Palestinian problem. Sharpening Israel's stance as a defender against radical Islam will strengthen the Western world's conservative consciousness against progressiveness. In the end, it is important to remember that military, economic, technological, and also - moral - superiority are still in the hands of the forces of good in the world. We must not forget this.
No one can predict the future with certainty, things may happen this way or otherwise, but part of the perspective of belief is to recognize that time does not only work against us but also – and most importantly – it works in our favor.
The bad will pass.
The good will prevail.
With the help of God
Rabbi Haggai Lundin
Family and Society There Will Not Be A Civil War!
(Told to the students of the Hesder Yeshiva in Holon)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
