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- D'varim
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The haftorah of Shabat Dvorim is always the first chapter of Yeshayahu which begins with the Hebrew word "chazon." In fact, the Shabat preceding Tisha b’Av is always named Shabat Chazon after this first word of the haftorah of parshat Dvarim. "Chazon" means vision, prophecy. Vision can be positive or otherwise. A madman has a vision of world domination and the extermination of other human beings. A righteous person has a vision of a better, more peaceful, more moral society and world. The great Chasidic masters stated that a person is judged in heaven not only on what the person, accomplished, did and omitted to do. A person is judged on what were the visions and goals that motivated that person in this world. It is not only what a person is, it is also important to realize what that person wishes to be in order to be able to judge the person correctly. Though "chazon" can many times indicate a negative or sad prophecy, the word itself is a neutral one. One can choose whatever vision one wishes to choose. Therefore Yeshayahu chooses the word "chazon" to begin his book of prophecy. What is the vision of the Jewish people? What kind of a nation do they wish to be? This choice is particular and pertinent to individual human beings as well. Hearing the words of Moshe and of Dvarim can be an immense help to us in deciding what our "chazon" - national and individual should be.
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Various Events FOR WHOM NOT TO VOTE
Rav Zvi Yehuda Kook stressed that Israeli politics is G-dly, so I have no problem answering this common question on a Torani blog. Also, Free-Will is a G-d-given right and obligation, to "destine one's fate" (R. Soloveichik, Kol Dodi Dofek, 67), so I obviously don't tell others how to vote. But once not a few (especially young) have already asked, a couple of personal words from experience and thoughts from chazal & Rav Kook which may be of help to others, mainly for whom NOT to vote.
P'ninat Mishpat Fallout from Failure to Install Elevator – part II
based on ruling 85007 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
