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This should make us think about a human being’s responsibilities from a Torah perspective and what results from a lack of compliance to them. These are also addressed in the parasha. Sanhedrin 56b provides the sources for the seven Noahide Laws in Bereishit and Noach. These mitzvot are the basis for the existence of a healthy, sustainable society. Most of them focus on basic human principles, as we will illustrate.
1. Establishing a judicial system based on the principles of justice – this includes protecting the weak and ensuring a peaceful society. It should prevent theft and extortion and punish criminals to prevent recurrence of crime.
2. Incest and adultery – sexual abuse within the family uproots the integrity of the family unit, which must protect its members. The prohibitions include disregard for the holy bond between man and wife. Also, there is concern of the powerful taking advantage over those in weaker positions.
3. Taking the life of another – the atrocity of murder is a cornerstone of any society. People must not take the lives of others, irrespective of religion, race, or gender; everyone is created in Hashem’s image. When victims are helpless, the moral affront is even higher.
4. Theft – everyone has the right to accumulate wealth. The laws that govern society must prevent outright thievery and other, more subtle forms of financial corruption, including unfairly selective taxation.
5. Eating a part of a live animal (ever min hachai) – The prohibition sends a clear message that it is important for humanity to curb cruelty even toward animals.
Thousands of years ago, the Torah set up a set of values, which still represent the basis of a proper society. Notice the horrible sins of the Hamas organization and how it has, over years, disregarded basic rules of decency, starting with among their own people, and when the opportunity arose, among large portions of the citizens of the State of Israel. They do not respect even one of the principles listed above. They do not have a judicial system based on justice, do not protect their own citizens, and certainly have no respect for the lives and property of Israelis. They sinned in the realm of sexual impropriety. They even stole from and financially abused Gazans. Their regard for avoiding cruelty is non-existent. For all of these reasons, they do not deserve to be treated like a government and deserve no respect on any level.
It is a halachic necessity to fight against Hamas’ infrastructure and all its members from top to bottom. Terrorists do not deserve all of the rights that a normal person does, but we should be careful to minimize harm to innocents, whom we correctly enabled to flee areas of fighting. May Hashem protect our brave forces who are involved in carrying out these moral imperatives.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
