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Dvorah bat Miriam
After cleaning oneself of theft and sexual immorality, both of which we have already discussed, there is another task which demands quite a bit of effort if one desires to free himself of it completely - the distancing of oneself from forbidden foods. For, on the one hand, man is tempted by his heart to partake in forbidden foods because of their deliciousness. In fact, the Sages say, "Let not an individual say 'I refuse to eat pork because it is not tasty.' Rather, 'Even though it is possible for me to eat it, I refuse to, for the Torah has forbidden it to me.'" On the other hand, there may be financial considerations which cause a person to transgress the prohibition against forbidden foods, for example, their being less expensive. In addition, sometimes the inconvenience involved in koshering pots and pans which have become Traif , or unkosher, causes one to transgress.
It is important to note that the transgression against forbidden food consumption is of a more severe nature than other transgressions. Because these foods actually enter one's body and are absorbed therein, not only does the consumer of such foods sin, but he impairs his body and soul, which in turn effects his personality. The Rabbis teach, regarding, the passage, "'Do not debase yourselves with them, becoming unclean with them,' If you debase yourselves with them, in the end your souls will become contaminated." For the forbidden foods infuse impurity into the body and soul of man until finally God's holiness abandons him. This is in keeping with the Jewish concept that "sin causes man's heart to become stupid," for true understanding abandons him, as does the spirit of knowledge with which God endows his faithful ones, "for, God grants wisdom."
Pathways in Personality Development (52)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
14 - 14. Caution Regarding Sexual Immorality
15 - 15. Forbidden Foods
16 - 16. Deceit and Humiliation
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When a person encounters a situation which involves even a slight danger to his health he distances himself from it and won't even consider taking chances. And this, despite the fact that the danger involved is only possible and not one hundred percent certain. So too, one must refrain from partaking in forbidden foods for this is actual poison to the body and the soul.
One would be correct in claiming that keeping Kosher is one of the most widespread religious observances in Israel today. Perhaps the Jew's healthy inner sense discerns how proper and befitting it is to observe these laws. It is important to emphasize that the prohibition against forbidden foods is not due to the fact that they seen as dangerous by medical science. Rather, they are dangerous because they are forbidden by the Torah. They are dangerous despite the fact that the medical establishment is unaware of their danger, for their danger does not exist in the revealed physical realm but in the spiritual realm. The spiritual, though, no doubt affects the physical.
This is one of the Torah commandments which, when not observed, creates a rift in the Jewish people, for it prevents Jews from eating with one another. Yet when it is observed, it unites us and distinguishes us as a unique people - God's people. "It is a people who shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations."
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
