"TODAY STATISTICALLY OUTDOES PESACH!"- Our Historic Wars in Israel

Orchot Tzaddikim class 84, "Awe" part iii

The class deals with the differing opinions among our sages whether it's good to suggest "Ta'amei HaMitzvot" (benefits) of the mitzvot or not. Also, what are the various levels of the soul, nefesh, ru'ach and nesham. And how the greatness of man helps us appreciate the awesomeness of the Creator.

On the Slippery Slope

Bare Minimum= Bare Results (When Chumrot are Necessary!)

Rav Kook in general writes that Torat Eretz Yisrael stays away from unnecessary chumrot (strict opinions) because even the physical life in Israel is holy and positive. But this class deals with certain cases where one must be careful not just to do the minimum but should add and be that much more careful. The class also deals with the philosopher Prof. Yeshayahu Lebowitz including little-known testimonies regarding his Torah thought and observance, as well as the current controversy regarding drafting Haredim into the IDF.

WHAT DID CHAD GADYA DO TO THE CAT?

(Mis)Understanding the Movie "No Other Land"

P'ninat Mishpat: Undoing a Problematic Partnership – part II

based on ruling 84061 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts

Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part III

Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154

Ask the Rabbi: Kittel at the Seder

Parashat Hashavua: The Extent of our Guarantor Status

Five Reasons for Torah Sacrifices

P'ninat Mishpat: Undoing a Problematic Partnership – part I

based on ruling 84061 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts

Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part II

Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154

"ON KVETCHES & PROPORTIONS"- Haftarah of Vayikra

Jews have an understandable tendency to Kvetch, but Yishayahu teaches us in the Haftara of Vayikra that in the process of ge'ula, we must learn to appreciate and focus on the positive and not complain so much. We should not tell G-d how to run His redemption, and in fact, we can understand the complaints about 3 AM sirens to shlep down 3 flights to the shelter with a child on each arm and a third on your shoulders on an average of once a night, but don't forget that just 2 weeks ago it used to be several times a night (and thank G-d we have shelters!). For decades the worst scenario imagined in Israel was a full-scale war with Iran, our largest, most sophisticated enemy with the most oil, Russian aid and nuclear plans. Well, that day is here, and we must profusely thank G-d and the IDF for pre-empting them with unprecedented intelligence, and professionalism to take out their entire leadership, anti-aircraft missiles and blow up their boats, planes and launchers pitifully uncontested. Our complaining shouldn't hide the glory of the G-d-sent victory, which COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ANY EASIER (except were more Jews willing to share the burden).

Ask the Rabbi: Bedikat Chametz for Guests at a Hotel

Parashat Hashavua: Re“calling” Moshe

Wealth: When is it a Worthwhile Assignment?

Much has been written about wealth, but Rav Kook here analyzes what our sages teach, when is it and when is it not worth it for G-d to bless one with wealth? He explains that by G-d the reward or punishment is a direct and logical outcome of our actions.

Orchot Tzaddikim class 83, "Awe" part ii

The class deals with how today in the democratic world, the "quaking" approach to G-d is counterproductive, and "awe" must be taught accordingly. The class also deals with 6 answers to the question why heaven and hell are not mentioned more in the Torah. And why it's important to educate children with prizes & positive reinforcements, and pleasurable association with Torah and mitzvot, and not to pretend that a child is more mature or idealistic than he really is.

Between Amalek & Other Challenges- Eternal Foes or Occasional Bouts

Rav Kook writes about the necessity for various types of defense, differentiating between one-horned animals and the two-horned, as necessary for man and nations, as well. He uses the rare Tachash animal, uniquely used in the Mishkan, and not found in other generations, as a symbol of the antithesis of Amalek.

Between the Labor Room and Bachelordom:

Faith in the Fog of War- Parshat HaChodesh

This short article helps make sense and understand the feelings of what Israeli civilians are going through during the sirens and shelters in the present war with Iran and some helpful solutions.

P'ninat Mishpat: How Many Dayanim?

based on ruling 84139-1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts

MI LAHASHEM ELAY- THE TORAH MINDSET- P. Ki-Tisa