32 Lessons
Israel and the Nations Joining Gentiles
A non-Jewish client is marrying off his daughter, may I attend and eat or drink something that is kosher? May I attend the company end-of-year parties and picnics? My boss asked me to attend a meeting with a new client in a non-kosher restaurant. Is this permitted, and may I order a cup of coffee or a fruit plate?
Israel and the Nations May a Non-Jew Own a Nectarine Tree?
I am not Jewish, but I observe the laws of Noahides as recorded in the writings of Maimonides. I am aware that a gentile may not graft one species of tree onto another. Does owning a nectarine tree violate this prohibition?
Israel and the Nations Failure
The interviewer asked Thomas Sowell if he thought that there was anything in the behavior in Jewish society that the Jewish people could themselves correct to mitigate anti-Semitism.Surprisingly, he said that he would have one piece of advice for Jewish society, “fail!”.
Israel and the Nations Why The World Hates The Jews
Anti-Semitism is rife not just in Gaza, Akko, and Jerusalem, but in London, New York and Toronto. Why won't anti-Semitism go away?
Israel and the Nations Rav Kook on: The Beauty, Depth and Universality of Religious Zionism
As opposed to other types of nationalism/patriotism, which are relatively external, shallow and sometimes even racist, the Religious Zionism of Rav Kook plays an essential universal role in the moral maturation of humanity. Avraham Avinu was told to leave his land and set up a "Great Nation" in Israel who's goal is, even today & forever, to spread monotheism & morality and influence mankind. Am Yisrael as a nation, with a moral and idealistic state, economy, army & culture, plays a universal role. Rav Kook reveals his ingenious connection between monotheism & morality, & convincingly proves rationally how the Biblical "Light to the Nations" is coming true. He explains the central role of utilizing Jewish creativity for cultural influence.
Additional Lessons Answering Accusations of Israeli-Occupation
& Why the Moral Mitzvot are Geared Only to Jews- Not Gentiles?
These oft-debated issues of "hasbara", demand good answers. Rav Shvat suggests 4 replies to the accusation of Israel occupying arab "territories" based upon the difficulty western & rational man has in understanding why the arabs could be the aggressors if they always suffer more casualties? The world doesn't understand the Jihad mindset which doesn't mind losing wars and being suicide bombers which in fact, defies logic and prevents deterrance. History, both old and new also bolster the Jewish claims. Anti-semitism is an additional unfortunate clouding factor. Among several approaches to why the moral mitzvot are geared particularly to Jews: is simply that the Torah addresses Jewish life, among Jews, in the Jewish Land for the Jewish People, and more.
Yom Hakaddish Haklali The Cause of & the Solution to Antisemitism
Much has been written on the cause of Anti-Semitism, but, as usual, Rav Kook has an innovative take on the issue. The she'ur deals with this unique historic phenomenon of hate, but also sees the light, regarding the optimistic, but inevitable solution. Am Yisrael, as the conscience of mankind, inevitably is going to be hated until the world matures, but maturation is just an issue of time.
Yom Hakaddish Haklali The State of Israel as the Moral Answer to the Holocaust
The State of Israel with her Jewish army, is clearly the national answer to the Holocaust, but Rav Kook sees it also as the moral answer, to bring morality not only to individuals, but also to the masses and the nations, as the Or LaGoyim, Light for the Nations. In short, Yom HaAtzma'ut should be the answer to Yom haShoah, in both security and ethics.
Revivim Should Israel go for a decisive or partial victory?
The government is too weak to pursue a decisive victory, but the fortitude of the public may lead to a partial one. And demographics are on our side.
Revivim Coping with terrorism through faith
Terrorism tries to sow panic and cause the public to give up. Israelis are finished with delusions of peace, so terrorism will not achieve its goal, but a rational, gradual, and realistic means of teaching the Torah view must be proposed.
Ein Aya The Problem With Exile
Ein Aya Shabat Chapter A Paragraph 63
The relationship between national difficulties and challenges faced by the individual Jew.
Ein Aya Why Do Jews Suffer So Much?
Ein Aya Shabat Chapter A Paragraph 62
This eternal question regarding the Chosen People and our difficult history is addressed in a classicly innovative "Rav Kookian" way.
