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practices done by other nations, if performed for
a certain benefit, such as to show honor, are
permitted to Jews. To protect Jewish specialness,
Chazal forbade adopting non-Jewish customs in two
categories: 1) If the act is linked to idolatry
or another form of worship (e.g. holding our
hands together or kneeling as is done in church);
or 2) If the act has no apparent reason
whatsoever, as its origin may then stem from an
idolatrous or pagan practice. But where the act
is not religious in nature, & has a definite
purpose, it is allowed. Thus wearing a suit &
tie, marching in a parade, sending a get-well
note to an ill person or standing in respect at a
memorial siren is perfectly permissible – even
laudable. The failure to show honor to the fallen
not only demonstrates a lack of Hakarat HaTov, it
is poraysh mim ha-tzibur, separating the wider
community & promoting disunity & acrimony between
Jews, which in & of itself creates a Chillul Hashem.
Peninei Halakha 12. Yom Ha-zikaron: A Day of Remembrance for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers
Chapter 4: Yom Ha-atzma’ut
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
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.