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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)
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.
