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Beit Midrash
- Family and Society
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- Road Safety
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
An awareness of the number of deaths caused by speeding has not led to slower driving. Knowledge of the number of accidents resulting from passing in a no-passing zone has not brought an end to dangerous passing. This being the case, what can be said that will make an impression upon drivers? People are aware of the fact that careless driving is not a mere violation of the traffic safety laws - it is a serious violation of the Torah law. The act of reckless driving is itself biblically proscribed, even if no accident results. One receives a fine "from above" for such behavior, and fines rendered by the Heavenly Tribunal are immeasurably more severe than those handed out by the police. Up above, every incident of reckless driving wherein the commandment to "protect your lives" is violated, gets recorded. "Know what is above you: a seeing eye and a hearing ear - and all of your acts are being recorded in the book" (Pirkei Avot).
Drivers know all of this, yet it is not enough to curb the continuous wave of automobile accidents.
Let me, though, amend my above generalization, for clearly there are numerous individuals who drive carefully and are mindful of the traffic laws. I assume that the vast majority of those who sit behind the wheel are law-abiding drivers, and that only a small percentage are guilty of careless driving. It is to these individuals that I speak, in an attempt to impress upon the careless the importance of being careful. When a person drives carefully and in accordance with the law, he not only steers clear of transgression, but he also fulfills a Torah injunction to protect life: "You must protect your lives." This is indeed a Torah commandment, and not mere advice.
The religious-Zionist community, dedicated to the completeness of the Land, the Torah, and the Nation; the settlers of Judeah, Samaria, Gaza, and the Golan; their many supporters - all must strive to be worthy role-models in the fulfillment of this exceedingly fundamental Torah obligation.
The manner in which one drives reflects one's overall behavior. Correct, calm, thoughtful driving, carried out with the intention of fulfilling, to the highest degree of perfection possible, the commandment to safeguard human life, can have a positive effect on a person's overall behavior. Such driving can cause all of one's actions to be more mindful, well balanced, and joyous. We will only be able to overcome all of the obstacles which stand in the way of attaining completeness of the Land, the Torah, and the Nation, when we have attained healthy and admirable character traits.
Let us view proper and careful driving as an integral part of our divine worship. Let us exercise our influence upon our entire surroundings to improve driving habits. Let teachers speak with their students; parents with their children. Then, all of our labor will receive a blessing from above: God will help us succeed in our efforts, and will "guide our going out and coming in, from this time forth and forever" (based on Psalm 121:8).
Repentance Why Ba'alei T'shuva Davka Shouldn't Become Anti-Zionists!
Rav Kook's Letter on Teshuva to Rav Charlap
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.