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For someone who grew up in NYC with some 30 years of obviously Jewish mayors like Abe Beame, Ed Koch and Michael Bloomberg, the possibility of a proudly Islamic & anti-Israel Mamdani (who vows to arrest Israel's Prime Minister if he steps into NY), filling their shoes is a nightmarish reality. A friend of mine suggested publicizing that even if the Jews of NY are not immediately planning Aliya, they should each at least decide in advance what will be their "red-line", which when the slowly creeping anti-Semitism will cross, they will notice what's happening. Our mussar books teach that a smart person learns from his mistakes- an even smarter one LEARNS FROM OTHER GENERATIONS' PREVIOUS MISTAKES.
We read in last week's parsha that Noach sent the dove to see if the Flood ended, knowing that when she found a "resting place for her feet", she will not return (Breishit 8, 7-11). Similarly, the Torah PROMISES that by definition, Jews will never find that permanent resting place in exile ("And among the nations, you will not be calm, nor will your foot find rest", Devarim 28, 65), for "if they would, they would never return to Israel" (Breishit Rabba 33, 6, see also Eicha 1, 3). That doesn't mean that Europe and NY weren't comfortable, or that even Torah-believing Jews won't delude themselves on the issue. Some may even think the solution is moving to Florida, but that clearly doesn't apply when the return to our eternal foot-hold in Israel is doable! Yes it takes "guts" to detect uncomfortable truths, but especially young people whose entire future is ahead of them, and can especially witness the anti-Semitism on college campuses (even if they personally go to YU/Touro/Stern College…), shouldn't miss the historic message. Even if the State of Israel solves the problem of where to go when those "red-lines" are crossed, let's remember that not a few countries, even when they let the Jews leave, defensibly did not let them take their money out from the local economy (you can't see a Trump-like figure doing so in the name of America…).
Yes, in Israel there are also challenges (as in all of life, Derech Hashem 1, 2), but here they are positive ones, Jewish & historical confrontations which are worth "rolling up our sleeves" to solve PERMANENTLY. This week, we started asking for rain which is scarce in Israel, but G-d has already taught us that part of His answering prayers is through aiding Israel to invent desalination projects, just as He is fulfilling the "flying back to Eretz Yisrael" (Yishayahu 60, 8) via airplanes, and the messianic bracha that even the barren will conceive (Devarim 7, 14), through modern science. Yes, it's hard to believe that dreams come true, "בשוב ד' שיבת ציון היינו כחולמים" (Tehilim 126) but these messianic signs, whether fortunate or not, are actually occurring. Rav Drukman often explained that pasuk, that many Jews are "day-dreaming" so they don't realize the writing on the wall, while others opt to "work with G-d" (Vayikra Rabba 27, 2, see Rav Kook, Ma'amarei HaReiya, p. 78) to hasten the realization of those dreams in their lifetime.
This week's parsha promises to Avraham that his Aliya to Israel will be for his true benefit (Rashi 12, 1), and even for the benefit of the nations of the world (12, 1-3). I can't think of a more worthwhile investment and decision than to "work with Hashem", and be on His side (talk about "going with front-runners"!). "Make His will your will, and (inevitably) He will make your will, His will" (Avot 2, 4)! Shabbat Shalom! Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
