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Yom Haatzmaut
articles on Yom Haatzmaut
Thank God We Have A State - What Next?
Yom Haatzmaut - Israel Independence Day
The date of Independence Day
Why did we move yom Haatzmaut a day early this year?
The Holiness Of The State
Is it appropriate to celebrate the establishment of the State of Israel which was established according to secular values?
Appreciating Miracles
Thanking God for the miracles and recognizing the good, lies at the very foundation of our redemption. Therefore, if we want God's works of salvation to continue, we must thank Him.
Lessons on Yom Haatzmaut
"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 Yom HaZIKARON SIREN- EVERY ARROW NEEDS A HEAD!
What do we and should we think about during the national siren in Israel on Yom HaZikaron? What is the significance, and what are the spiritual benefits and messages of Yom haZikaron? What are those who miss this experience missing out on? (see also my class here on "Wars & Selflessness", and the entire series of Orot HaMilchama of Rav Kook)
Lessons
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Rabbis on Yom Haatzmaut
