Yeshiva
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.
The Giving of the Torah When Should We Use Facts, Logic or Kabbala in Learning Torah?
Ein Aya Shabbat 4 7
Ein Aya Understanding the Beauty of Shabbat - Tasting the World to Come
Ein Aya Shabat Chapter A Paragraph 15
Rabbis in Midrash
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Various Events FOR WHOM NOT TO VOTE
Rav Zvi Yehuda Kook stressed that Israeli politics is G-dly, so I have no problem answering this common question on a Torani blog. Also, Free-Will is a G-d-given right and obligation, to "destine one's fate" (R. Soloveichik, Kol Dodi Dofek, 67), so I obviously don't tell others how to vote. But once not a few (especially young) have already asked, a couple of personal words from experience and thoughts from chazal & Rav Kook which may be of help to others, mainly for whom NOT to vote.
P'ninat Mishpat Fallout from Failure to Install Elevator – part II
based on ruling 85007 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
