9 Lessons
The Uniqueness of the Jewish People
It is one of the principles of our faith that we must know and believe that the Nation of Israel is a nation of segula, a treasured people of a special nature. Another article of faith is that we must know that Israel is separate from others, different in its essence from all other peoples on the face of the earth.
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed | Adar 3 5783
Between Israel and the Gentiles
There has always been a hatred, sometimes hidden, on the part of the gentiles towards Israel, with no explanation and no justification. This hatred is deep-seated and constant, in every place and time. It doesn't matter whether we are successful or not; it's always there. Sometimes they hate Jews because they're capitalist, and sometimes because they're socialist. Here they hate us because they're conservative, and there they loathe us because we're too liberal. They have contempt for us when we're too talented and industrious, even as others accuse us of being useless parasites. Sometimes it's because we are too advanced, and other times it's because we are backward and outdated. There's no one correct reason, and in fact, there is no reason at all...
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed | Tevet 13 5783
All of Israel Are Equal
Rabbi Michael Linetsky | Cheshvan 24 5782
Why a *Nation* Is Needed to Fulfill G-d's Plan
The Divine Idea reaches full expression only in the form of national Jewish life in the Jewish land – and not simply via individuals, no matter how righteous they may be.
Rabbi Haggai Lundin | Elul 19 5781
Jews' Special Status: Doing Good For the World
Translated by Hillel Fendel
What makes Israel special? This question was keeping me awake at night. But see the end of the article for very practical answers.
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Sivan 24 5781
The Source of Israel's Uniqueness
Translated by Hillel Fendel
The uniqueness of the People of Israel does not begin with the appearance of the people of Israel, but well before that. As R. Yehuda HaLevy says in his classic work HaKuzari, we already see differences between people starting from the days of Adam HaRishon – the first human being to live on the face of the earth – and we comprehend that not everyone is equal.
Rabbi Chaim Avihau Schwartz | Nissan 6 5781
What Israel Suffered in History - and Why
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Soon, the Nation of Israel will be greatly raised up, it will become clear why the Jewish Nation suffered more than the other nations, and why it became a wretched symbol of degradation among the Gentiles.
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed | Shvat 23 5781
