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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
Lessons
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.