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What's in a Memorial?

"FIRST 'THE NATIONS WILL SAY: 'G-D DID GREAT FOR [ISRAEL]' "

We don't always understand and sometimes Israel pays a price for being the closest nation to Hashem, but that is essentially part of our role. Rav Kook explains just like the prophets often suffered for saying uncomfortable G-dly messages, similarly Am Yisrael historically had to pay the prices as "the conscience of mankind", and the way Hashem is seen to the world. Recently, more and more gentile leaders are beginning to point out the unique and "Chosen" role of Israel, including a game-changing article by an editor of a leading British paper.

"NOT ALL HATE IS CREATED EQUAL"- p. Tazria-Metzora

The parsha teaches the tragedy of being alone and separate, but our 2,000 year galut is exactly that. Because of the universality of anti-Semitism, we unfortunately sometimes tend to make simplistic associations, & lump all this hatred together, as if it's the same. Yes, Iran hates us like the Nazis did, but today's war on all accounts is totally different, and we must thank G-d on Yom HaAtzma'ut for all those differences.

The True, Shining Face of Humbleness

Orchot Tzaddikim class 84, "Awe" part iv

The class deals with the greatness of man (including the present Artemis ii space mission) the mind & G-dly soul which yearns for a greater purpose and meaning in life. It includes the famous parables of the horse (body) and rider (soul), and the king whose outstanding greatness attests to his supremeness. Towards the end we allude also to the forthcoming Yom HaAtzma'ut, and discuss the Vilna Gaon's proven accurate formula for figuring out the pivotal years in the redemption process, where he correctly predicts in 5708=1948 Adam (Israel) will get (back) on our feet, and in 5750=1990, begins the transition from secular Zionism to religious Zionism, when the largest Teshuva return to Torah in history was the Aliya of the Jews from the former Soviet Union to return to the Jewish fold, nation & observance.