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Beit Midrash
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At times like this, it is worthwhile to set standards for who is a respected member of human civilization and who is not. Practically, a nation that does not accept basic human rights should not be able to receive donations from international welfare organizations or protection from international charters. We suggest not only expecting fulfillment of the seven Noahide laws, but raising the bar to acceptance on some level of the Ten Commandments (not always in the way that Bnei Yisrael was commanded).
We will survey an adapted Ten Commandments in this context. 1-2 – Acceptance of Hashem and not having idols – A large part of humanity always has embraced monotheism and divine incorporeality. We should try to expand this in a noncoercive manner. 3. Not swearing falsely in Hashem’s Name – The fact that we were created in the "form of Hashem" is connected to our ability to speak, and this obligates us. We must therefore be careful about what we say, and speak truthfully, as lying desecrates Hashem and our own status. (Distortions with the help of AI are very dangerous in this regard.) 4. Shabbat – At least in Shabbat’s "between-man-and-man" element, societies should be expected to have a weekly day of rest, as opposed to elements of slavery that still exist in the world. 5. Respect for parents – This bedrock of humanity should be expanded to generally include gratitude for the good bestowed upon us. A society that looks out for the needs of its elderly combines these important elements. 6. Murder – The sanctity of human life must always be the basis of a society. Murderers not only hurt victims and their families but undermine society. Rape is included in this. 7. Adultery – Fidelity between spouses is part and parcel of morality. 8. Theft – Respect for another’s property and certainly his own personal liberty (no hostage taking) is basic. 9. False testimony – Honest testimony is necessary to have an effective judicial system, which, understandably, is one of the seven Noahide requirements. 10. Not to covet that which belongs to another – This raises the bar quite high and it is not usually possible to check or enforce it, but it is important to have it as a goal.
A world in which the Ten Commandments are pillars of society is one in which people are safe and raises the possibility of striving for world peace. Any attempt to ensure peace without such guidelines of morality will just strengthen evil. This has become clearer than ever in light of the world reaction to the treacherousness of Hamas and its allies.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
