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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Moreshet Shaul
We can clearly conclude that the feeling of nationalism did invigorate the youth of the Zionist movement, in its earlier days, motivating them to come to the Land, settle it, build, and reach [the achievements that have been accomplished]. However, this nationalism is not as strong in our present times. The Knesset (Israeli parliament) is not the same assembly of Israel that it once was. It includes non-Jews who live in the Land, which is natural according to the accepted rules of states. However, is this going to be the "face of the State"? Doesn’t this weaken Jewish nationalism, and that which makes the nation unique and bound up in destiny?
The author strengthens our belief in the eternity of Israel. Our becoming a nation was not like the process of other nations, whose image was formed by its land, which developed its national characteristics. Indeed, the concept of democracy requires investigation, as efforts are required to preserve our recognition of uniqueness. Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch stressed the point that distinguishes between the emergence of Israel and that of other nations.
However, this is the end of the comparison. The need for the existence of an independent nation does not fit with this outlook. Rav Hirsch writes that in practice, the purpose of the nation is more profound in the Diaspora than in its own Land. We find some statements of this type in our days as well. In contrast, our author maintains the approach that the nation’s social and political structure must be subservient to the laws of the Torah, which is impossible in any place other than our own land and state.
The author also analyzes those who look at nationalism from the perspective of secular nationalism. [A famous example] is Ben Gurion, who identified that which is unique in the Jewish People as contained in the prophets’ focus on moral behavior. The author stresses the fact that these people do not find these prophecies to be binding on them, [as they generally do not view the Torah as obligating them to act according to it]. These people are apt to ask themselves – why do we need a state and all of its problems, as well as the very need to guard the essence of these moral imperatives?
The connection to the Land, even when it exists, morphs into an outlook that nullifies the significance of a connection to the Jews of the world. It also encourages a feeling of connection and closeness with those who live in the Land, irrespective of their background and nationality. This can create a new nation that resembles the nations that were "conceived and born" from the conditions that existed in the place they found themselves.
The outlook that is connected to historical development proves the correctness of the Torah philosophy. It strengthens the mutual connections, the feeling of obligation to the past, and the possibility and even the emotional strength to plan the future according to the framework of the past. It is based on the recognition that it is critical to connect the individual to the welfare of the broader national community and, indeed, the interests of the international community.
Moreshet Shaul (46)
Various Rabbis
19 - Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part I
20 - Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part II
21 - Moreshet Shaul: Mini-Temple
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Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 137
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Spiritual Self-Improvement – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 405-7 (from the 1930s)
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Members of the Nation Who Are in The Fields
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 95 (from 1942)
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
