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We see in this week's parsha that when the world was primitive, "the entire earth was of one language and MONOLITHIC", simplistic, black and white. The Ohr HaChaim seems to explain (he refers to this "kabbalistic secret", upon which Rav Kook often elaborates) that just as the individual matures to eventually appreciate the beauty of complexity and harmonizing the different tones and streams, so too mankind needed this "upgrade", and this was part of G-d's original plan. In fact, this is part of what "gathering the exiles" back to Israel is about, to show how to "unify the opposites", where the harmonic symphony of ideas proves the Oneness of the Creator (Rav Kook, Drashat "HaDegel", Orot HaKodesh ii, p. 439; Orot Yisrael 5, 2). The world today is ready and demands that symphony (HaDor, p. 114).
R. Shapira agreed with me that we can't change our true hashkafa just because of worries or suspicions, and the mitzvot of Milchemet Mitzvah, Aliya, settling Eretz Yisrael, celebrating Yom HaAtzma'ut etc. are not "going anywhere", for that's what we need in the deep and beautiful, & from now on eternal Torat Eretz Yisrael. In fact, these all-important mitzvot are also very spiritual and extremely altruistic (=Godly)! You are not the first to ask this question, and the Ramban (Dvarim 23, 10-15) points out that the Torah already refers to a tendency to slip spiritually even in a religious Jewish army (accordingly, the extra commandment of digging latrines there). Nevertheless, all agree that the Israeli army camp is holy (Dvarim, ibid) & Israeli army service supersedes all other mitzvot, and all agree the boys should (!) drive on Shabbat and even give their lives, if necessary for Am Yisrael & Eretz Yisrael (Rambam Hil. M'lachim 5, 1). During your son's time in the IDF, he is actually MORE religious, for he is preoccupied with the most important mitzvot, even more than Shabbat and life itself! He is rejuvenating the return to authentic Judaism after 2,000 years of exile, where all of the heroes of Tanach led the army, spoke Hebrew, and placed the military needs of Am Yisrael above their own needs, even above their everyday religious practice. Our sources say that it's especially important to davka observe those mitzvot which many in your generation don't do (like the Chafetz Chaim writes about Shmirat HaLashon, epilogue, ch. 3; Sefer Hasidim 736; Sefer Haredim 1, 6), and IDF service is a classic example, where unfortunately most (!) orthodox men, among Haredi & Jews abroad neglect, thus "reforming" original Judaism.
Obviously this doesn't mean that one is exempt from Shabbat when not on duty, but it's important to put things into perspective, appreciating & respecting your son's religiosity. Similarly, it's obviously best to encourage him to serve in a totally religious unit (of which there are many!), where that's the norm. Truth is, today, most of the boys in most of the combat units are religious.
Torat Eretz Yisrael is complex, includes the all-encompassing Torah, and reveals Hashem in everything, on the personal and national, spiritual and physical realm. Inevitably, a complex message is going to confuse some of the younger people, especially during their time in the IDF, when they really are stressed & over-loaded (davka bc of those neglecting this super-important mitzva!), and often truly exempt from certain mitzvot. Today's world is complex, and the beautiful and multifaceted Torah has the answers, but life is not black and white anymore, and even the Haredim are slowly revealing that. Exile is likened to DARKNESS (e.g. Zecharya 14, 7), where the MORE FURNITURE in the room- the more you FALL, as opposed to Eretz Yisrael, likened there to light, where those same furniture, plants & accessories add to the beauty, convenience and completion (HaDor, p. 114).
Your patient approach is correct, and keep your connection with and respect for him strong, and eventually there's a good chance he will return to the entire Torah (maximum, the most common scenario is when they have to choose a school for their children, and clearly see that religious education is by far better on all accounts than chiloni, that's when they eventually & finally return). Shabbat Shalom, 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.
Ein Aya Practical Tricks How Not to Accept Gossip by Giving the Benefit of the Doubt
Ayn Aya, Shabbat v, 65
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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.