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Beit Midrash
Unfortunately, the atrocities against civilians last Simchat Torah (Oct. 7th) and the kidnapping & holding of our hostages, the obstinance of our enemies, as well as the complex tunnels which we allowed Hamas to dig for terror, and their using their own families and hospitals as human shields, have all stretched out this war much longer than expected! Similarly, if they fight for a religion who they believe appreciates such atrocities, while we fight for the ,מלך החפץ בחייםthe King Who wants life, this is a Religious-War which is also unique in the modern world, and is difficult to end, for they will fight to the end.
Aside from the Milchemet Mitzva of fighting to protect Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael (Rambam, hil. M'lachim 5, 1), all of the aforementioned immoral aspects show that our war against Hamas is not a regular war, but rather a battle of Good vs. Evil. Similarly, Rav Kook (Ayn Aya, Shabbat v, 62) differentiates between our nationalism which is to be a "Light for the nations" (Yishayahu 49, 6) based upon bringing G-dliness & morality to the world (Breishit 18, 19), as opposed to foreign nationalism which often brings racism and hate. In other words, the wars of Israel, are a "war against war", which is inherently moral & justified but also relatively extended.
Such a war is even our responsibility to all other nations- "ונברכו בך כל משפחות האדמה", , "through you will come bracha to all the nations" (Breishit 12, 3). We wish even to deter the Arabs themselves from their immoral behavior, which will surely benefit their own societies and family life (Guide for the Perplexed, 3, 35).
Lastly, the war is also a Kiddush Hashem to fix the Chilul Hashem of their jihad against the daughters and sons of the G-d of Israel (Rambam M'lachim 7, 15).
After all of the above, it comes as no surprise that the heroes of the IDF are our leaders in idealism and morality, as well, and that the G-d of Israel is helping us greatly! Shabbat Shalom!
Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)
Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.
Ein Aya Why Judaism Respects the Corpse and the Dead- Eternity, Not Superstition
Ein Aya Shabat Chapter B Paragraph 52
Additional Lessons Answering Accusations of Israeli-Occupation
& Why the Moral Mitzvot are Geared Only to Jews- Not Gentiles?
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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)
