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In this week's parshat B'shalach, we find Israel singing to Hashem for our victory over Pharoh & Egypt. We definitely must thank Trump for his aid, but we actually sing only to the genuine Master of the world.
We find that even after leaving Egypt, Israel is still in the "galut mentality", "kvetching" that they miss the provisions of their slave-masters (Shmot 16, 3). Despite their preparing weapons (13, 18), in actuality, they are not yet ready mentally, to fight (14, 14). But as is often the case, in the haftarah, we find a more advanced, mature stage of history, where Devorah haNeviah sings thanks to Hashem but also chants to the brave IDF soldiers who did come to "help" Him. Did I see that right?! Yes, sefer Shoftim, written in prophecy, sings prais to those soldiers of Israel "who came to help Hashem" (Shoftim 5, 23), and curses those who don't (ibid, 16-17, 23). After several generations of growing out of the galut mentality, Israel actively goes to war, fighting for ourselves, with the help of G-d, or more accurately, emulating G-d by helping Him Who wants to help us. This more mature level, finds the Father "grooming" His children into independence and free-will, teaching us to fend for ourselves, while continuing to "peek through the cracks" (Shir haShirim 2, 9), and intervening when necessary. Sometimes we, especially our politicians who have yet to receive proper Tanach education, still don't dare break out of the galut mentality, and often don't have the guts to even say, that what gentile leaders dare to even do.
Yet we yearn for the ideal world that "בני ישראל יוצאים ביד רמה", when Israel will be redeemed "triumphantly (literally: with our arm raised)" (14, 8), which the Ramban explains: holding up the ISRAELI FLAG with national honor and self-respect. Rav YM Charlap, one of Rav Kook's closest students, explains (MiMaynei HaYeshua pp. 29-30, 203) that it's a matter of principle that the nations of the world should first help Israel during the process of redemption (as did Balfour, the San Remo conference (1920/תר"פ), the UN, and today Donald Trump), for the redemption is for all of them, as well. But we shouldn't be surprised if for every Trump there may yet be another Kamala Harris waiting to turn their back on us (as the British and UN eventually did), so that we don't forget who are the two MAIN DOERS & BENEFICIARIES of redemption, "Israel shall be saved IN the Lord" (Y'shayahu 45, 17, see Tanchuma Acharei Mot 12, on this week's parsha: ויושע ה'"", G-d as if it were, is saved with Israel"). We're not there yet, and accordingly must sincerely thank Trump for his help, but historical singing is reserved for the G-d of Israel, and His nation (e.g. Israel's pager attack).
The Or HaChaim haKadosh points out that manna was served by our Father as a mother nurses and spoils her child, but we were only meant to eat "manna for 40 years, until we arrive at our Land and settle her" (16, 35). At that point we will replace the 'spiritual vitamins' of manna with her spiritual equivalent= the holy fruits of Israel (which we now enjoy all year round, not just on Tu b'Shvat!), which we ourselves maturely grow as partners with Hashem, and for which we SING His praise and thanks for the Land (which WE work) and her fruit (Birkat Al HaMichya). [For you, or your children who have yet to learn that important bracha (many hold: m'd'Oraita!) by heart, you can Google my YouTube karaoke: (tune Ari Shvat Al HaMichya), and within 6 hearings you should know it forever!].
Shabbat Shalom, & Tu B'Shvat Same'ach!
Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)
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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.
