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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)
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.
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.