Monday, March 10, 2014

Reflections on the Atzeres Tefila after the fact.

bs"d

Prayer en masse is a good thing and here is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Yes I agree.  Yes I agree that there were beautiful souls praying at this rally including the unadulterated prayer of children.

But, I did not like the slander on the gov't of Israel by the organizers because I believe this was Diba Raah, evil talk,  slander,  whose root comes from the Spies.  Netanyahu, Bennett and Lapid are not bent on uprooting Torah.  They want to enlist Chareidim into the army. 

Fighting in a army is a positive commandment especially against forces like Iran, Hamas, Hizbollah, Fatah, surrounded by enemies on all fronts.   Please watch the youtubes of Mark Langfan warning us of the dangers not only to Israel but to western civilization as we know it today.


A prayer rally is definitely in order especially in light of the dangers surrounding Israel and the world at large, but unfortunately that was not the message of this rally. 

Mark Langfan, Chairman of Afsi has mentioned on several occasions to Afsi members that he would be more than happy to deliver his presentation personally to any organization that invites him.

Now is a perfect opportunity for Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah and the Chareidim to express their remorse for having allowed the 22 communities of Gush Katif to be destroyed without protest and prayer thereby putting the lives of residents of Sderot, Ashkelon, Ashdod and Southern Israel in danger. Bh we now see their influence to gather the people!   They perhaps could have gathered all 300,000 - 800,000 followers then! In 2005  I called up the camps in the Catskills to daven in support of the hundreds of thousands praying  at the Kotel to stop the Expulsion.   Where were they?  They didn't endorse the Tefilla rally then.  Why instead did they partner with the gov't who indeed acted against the Torah to destroy productive communities and expel their brothers from their homes?  

Surely, they were against it but were blinded. Who am I to talk? Am I free of sin? Is any human free of sin? 

 Tehilim 51:

11Hide Your countenance from my sins, and erase all my iniquities.   יא. הַסְתֵּר פָּנֶיךָ מֵחֲטָאָי וְכָל עֲוֹנֹתַי מְחֵה:
12Create for me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.   יב. לֵב טָהוֹר בְּרָא לִי אֱלֹהִים וְרוּחַ נָכוֹן חַדֵּשׁ בְּקִרְבִּי:



As we say in the Shacharit prayer Rebon HaOlamim in Karbanot "But now, through our sins was the Beit HaMikdash destroyed and discontinued was the continual offering and we have neither a Kohen at his service, nor Levite on his platform nor Israelite at his station. But you said Let us compensate for the bulls with our lips (Hosea 14:3). Therefore, may it be the will before you, Hashem, our G-d, and the G-d of our forefathers, that it shall be the prayer of our lips - worthy, acceptable and favorable before you as if we had brought the continual offering in its time and we had stood at its station"

Prayer is our substitute for Sacrifices. 
ג  קְחוּ עִמָּכֶם דְּבָרִים, וְשׁוּבוּ אֶל-יְהוָה; אִמְרוּ אֵלָיו, כָּל-תִּשָּׂא עָו‍ֹן וְקַח-טוֹב, וּנְשַׁלְּמָה פָרִים, שְׂפָתֵינוּ. 3 Take with you words, and return unto the LORD; say unto Him: 'Forgive all iniquity, and accept that which is good; so will we render for bullocks the offering of our lips.
  Hashem says he does not need or want our sacrifices without teshuva.


18For You do not wish a sacrifice, or I should give it; You do not desire a burnt offering.   יח. כִּי | לֹא תַחְפֹּץ זֶבַח וְאֶתֵּנָה עוֹלָה לֹא תִרְצֶה:
19The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; O God, You will not despise a broken and crushed heart.   יט. זִבְחֵי אֱלֹהִים רוּחַ נִשְׁבָּרָה לֵב נִשְׁבָּר וְנִדְכֶּה אֱלֹהִים לֹא תִבְזֶה:
20With Your will, do good to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem.   כ. הֵיטִיבָה בִרְצוֹנְךָ אֶת צִיּוֹן תִּבְנֶה חוֹמוֹת יְרוּשָׁלִָם:
21Then You will desire sacrifices of righteousness, a burnt offering and a whole offering; then they will offer up bulls on Your altar.   כא. אָז תַּחְפֹּץ זִבְחֵי צֶדֶק עוֹלָה וְכָלִיל אָז יַעֲלוּ עַל מִזְבַּחֲךָ פָרִים

  If one merely brings the sacrifice but in no way regrets his wrongdoings, his sacrifice is not wanted.


On the other hand, hold such a rally in Chevron and not Wall Street the root of Kochi VeOtsem Yadi!  Imagine the tremendous Kiddush Hashem when the Rabbanim  proclaim proudly and publicly on you tube saying  to the world, that this is our precious Land. Judea and Samaria is in no uncertain terms part of the Land of Israel, the Land promised by G-d  to us and our forefathers.   Jews sanctify the Land by keeping the Commandments of the Land.  That, in my opinion would be a tremendous Kiddush Hashem, sanctification of G-d's name!

Watch this Beautiful Video About Israel!



--
Sincerely,

Robin Ticker
Activist emails sent to my list  are L'Ilui Nishmat Yisrael ben David Aryeh ob"m (Izzy - Kaplan) and Howard Chaim Grief great activists and lovers of Eretz Yisroel, Am Yisroel and the Torah. Yehi Zichronum Baruch.  May their memories serve as a blessing.

Most of these emails are posted on Shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com 

Personal emails to individuals will not be posted to my blog. 

Sunday, March 09, 2014

Israel Navy Soldiers Sing Shabbat Song At Sea.

bs"d


Israel Navy Soldiers Sing Shabbat Song and make Shabbat Kiddush At Sea


Published on Mar 7, 2014

As Shabbat began last week, these soldiers had already set sail to stop Iran's weapons shipment from reaching Gaza terrorists. In the middle of the sea, they all sang "Shalom Aleichem" -- a Shabbat song meaning "peace be upon you." Days later, their successful mission brought peace upon the entire nation of Israel. They are our heroes. Shabbat Shalom.

--
Sincerely,

Robin Ticker
Activist emails sent to my list  are L'Ilui Nishmat Yisrael ben David Aryeh ob"m (Izzy - Kaplan) and Howard Chaim Grief great activists and lovers of Eretz Yisroel, Am Yisroel and the Torah. Yehi Zichronum Baruch.  May their memories serve as a blessing.

Most of these emails are posted on Shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com 

Personal emails to individuals will not be posted to my blog. 

Thursday, March 06, 2014

Yeshiva World News: Echo of Huge Atzeres Tefilla in Yerushalyim in New York this coming Sunday March 9th in Lower Manhattan - Tens of Thousands expected

BS"D

Yeshiva World News: Preparations for Atzeres Tefilla on Sunday in Full Swing; Tens of Thousands Expected in Lower Manhattan from Tri-State Area and Beyond " -  "The gathering will echo last week's huge atzeres tefilla in Yerushalyim"
See more at: 
 

My comments regarding conscription of Bnei Yeshiva:
 
How can those who advocate conscription into a Jewish army be in violation of Torah and even worse, charged with "uprooting Torah"?
 
Very much the opposite!  Going to war to protect the Land from our enemies is a Milchemet Mitzvah is a Mitzvah D'Orayta, a Mitzvah one is obligated to keep for good reason!  

So then how come  hundreds of thousands of Chareidim and Torah observant Jews are heeding the call of the Gedoilim  to protest a Mitzvah D'Orayta?

The only conclusion one can make is that this is not a rally of Torah but a rally for Chomer (materialism).  Truth is being hidden behind a facade of Torah. (in the spirit of Purim but the actors aren't aware)

This can not be Torah.  The Torah clearly sanctions and advocates an army and soldiers going out to war. Concordatzia (Concordance) is filled with examples throughout Tanach when an army is necessary and a Mitzvah d'Orayta.  Chanukah and Purim is about being grateful and celebrating being victorious in battle over our enemies and Hashem's enemies!  No one would dare to suggest our forefathers, Moshe Rabbeinu, Yehoshu and Dovid Hameleh who fought battles and went to war, were uprooting the Torah. Only the Miraglim refused to conquer the Land and they and we are paying the price! Our generation must speak out against the evil counsel of the Miraglim.

For those unfamiliar with the term Gedoilim, it is also a modern Hebrew term understood by Hebrew speaking 2-3 year olds.  In English we call it #2 and it has to do with potty training.

How is Chomer, materialism involved?   

When the decree to uproot Jews from their homes in Gush Katif was announced, the Gedoilim BaTorah initially came out against it.  All agreed that throwing Jews from their homes in Eretz Yisroel and giving it to non Jews is wrong.  Please look at Hamodia 12 Cheshvon 5765 in article in Hebrew entitled Knesset Members oppose the Hitnatkut under the guidance of the Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah.  

Knesset Member Meir Porush is headlined to say that the Gedoilei Hatorah are against the Hitnatkut (Disengagement) like they were against Oslo and it will be shown that they were justified. This is documented in Sefer Halacha Berura," by Rabbi Yissochar Dov Rumpler shlita Page 17 with a photo of the article in Hamodia. But then, the Chomer, the money blinded wisdom and these parties received blood money.  This blood money is now blinding the Chareidi community and the Gedoilim from seeing truth of Torah.    Frankly, how from this money can any real Torah learning take place? 

But the Gemorrah sees that in the time of Moshiach darkness will be transformed to Light so there is still hope!   Layehudim Haysa Ora, VeSimcha, Veyekar......

Transforming Darkness to Light http://ravkooktorah.org/BO_67.htm

The period of Ikveta deMashicha is a difficult time, and not all the Sages were eager to experience it. Rav Yosef, however, demonstrated great spiritual courage, saying, "Let the Messiah come; and may I merit to sit in the shadow of his donkey's dung" (Sanhedrin 98b). Once again, we find the metaphor of the donkey used in connection with the Messianic Era.

Rav Yosef was accustomed to looking at the inner essence of things. He recognized the tremendous inner holiness hidden in this problematic generation, as symbolized by the Messiah's donkey. Rav Yosef understood that the Messianic light will demonstrate how to utilize all forces, even the most coarse — "the donkey's dung" — for the sake of good. He knew that the darkness of national rebirth will lead to an even higher light of Torah and knowledge of God.

(Sapphire from the Land of Israel. Adapted from Igrot HaRe'iyah vol. II, p. 188, letter 555 (1913) ("Igeret Takanah"); Orot p. 85 (Orot HaTechiyah, sec. 45))




Robin Ticker
Activist emails sent to my list  are L'Ilui Nishmat Yisrael ben David Aryeh ob"m (Izzy - Kaplan) and Howard Chaim Grief great activists and lovers of Eretz Yisroel, Am Yisroel and the Torah. Yehi Zichronum Baruch.  May their memories serve as a blessing.

Most of these emails are posted on Shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com 

Personal emails to individuals will not be posted to my blog. 

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Its All Good - Letter sent to Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky and Founder and Director Michael Rothschild of the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation re: Chareidi Draft, Torah Solution: Elef L'Mateh, Elef L'Mateh: Rav Chaim Kanievsky Partners with Rav Kook and Rabbi Pesach Lerner to help fight War in 2006

bs"d

Tonight, in honor of the 8th Annual Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Dinner held in the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan are my thoughts regarding the recent Chareidi Rally in protest of the Chareidi Draft: 

Lichvod: Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky Shlita Chairman of the Rabbinical Board -  Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation
             Mr. Michael Rothschild Shlita Founder and DirectorChofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation

Thank you for your ongoing Leadership in the Torah world in America especially when it comes to teaching children and grownups the language of Ahavas Yisroel! Our generation has benefited greatly from your educational materials and programs. May Hashem and Torah be your guiding light in this period of darkness!

Please forgive me for addressing you in matters that are out of my league. The words that follow have merit of their own and comes from being influenced from having lived near Hevron and being very connected to Hevron.

I cannot in good conscience remain silent....

HKBH is way ahead of us ..

Let us try to reconcile the two sides.....

Is being a part of the Israeli Army such a problem from a Torah perspective?

Here in just the past 2 days in the news, is a stark reminder that if Hashem wills it, we can be drafted anywhere.

  • Haredim Being Drafted – to Ukrainian Army Will the Haredim escape to Israel before or after the gates are closed


"Unlike in the IDF, Jewish soldiers in the Ukrainian army cannot get kosher food, cannot have beards, and must work on Shabbat – which is the day they clean the base..."

Also please read the following article.
  • Americans in Israel Targeted by IRS for Tax Audits Published Monday, March 3, 2014
Suspected Child Credit Fraud Among Hasidim Prompts Scrutiny By Nathan Guttman

Even this leftist author feels the IRS is being overzealous... Is America truly a safer haven for Chareidim than Israel?

Mr. Rothschild, amv"sh

The choice of the Museum of Jewish Heritage, a Holocaust Museum, as a venue for the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Dinner tonight is a wise one considering that Am Yisroel is now facing a threat from those whose ideology and leaders partnered with Hitler Yemach Shemo VeZichro and then denied the Holocaust happened. I am referring to our modern day Amalek, PLO/Fatah and Hamas who consider the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem yemach shemo their leader and hero.  I am also referring to our modern day Persian Amalekites,  Ayatollah Khomeini and Hassan Rouhani yemach shemum vezichrom who have made no secret of their intentions towards Israel (at least to their own people).

It is shocking to me and others that Chareidim gathered en-mass in the hundreds of thousands against the Jewish government of Israel consisting of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid to accuse them of  uprooting Torah because of the draft enlistment.

I do not wish to minimize the legitimate grievances of the Chareidim in any way which are indeed  painful, but honestly these grievances pale in comparison with the threat our Nation is facing, from such evil coming from Iran and Fatah/Hamas/Hezbollah aligning themselves with Nazi ideology. There is surely room to Dan Lecaf Zechus, judge favorably,Israeli government elected officials like the Prime Minister and his coalition for wanting Chareidim to be part of a Jewish army.

How did the Chareidim fail to acknowledge that Israel is facing an existential threat from our enemies which threaten Chareidm, Dati Leumi and/ or Chilonim alike right, left and center, (not to mention north and south) irrespective of political leanings?

Surely it is not too late to do so as I have been told that a rally is being scheduled for this coming Sunday in New York. Perhaps, we in New York, a bit removed from the fire, can channel the flames of passion in a positive direction.  Whether or not this rally materializes I hope both sides can unite to at least acknowledge that Israel is indeed facing the modern day Amalek.  As it says Bechol Dor veDor... 

The letter below from Rav Simcha HaKochen Kook might be extremely helpful as it was a collaborative effort with Rav Chaim Kanievsky and Rabbi Pesach Lerner - a true display of Achdus.  

We can learn from the war Moshe Rabbeinu waged against Midyon, a Milchemet Mitzvah,  as per how to combine those who are learning with those who are actually fighting into one unified army. Surely, the masses of Chareidim that attended the rally as well as those from the Dati Leumi camp are all interested in learning and implementing how a Jewish army must maintain a level of Holiness as prescribed by Torah while defending the Land and People of Israel from those who wish to annihilate us.

Rambam includes Milchemet Mitzvah within the count of Mitzvoth and I believe no one is exempt.

Surely the absolute best soldiers to fight Iran, Hamas or Hizbollah is a Holy army and those strong in Yirath Shamayim, as it says in the Torah "Vehaya Machanecha Kadosh!", Devarim 23:14-15 "For Hashem your G-d walks in the midst of your camp to rescue you and to deliver your enemies before you;  So your camp shall be holy" 

There is no disagreement that this Pasuk, Pshuto Kemashmao, it's plain and literal translation is referring to a military camp.

A quick glance in the Concordance of the word Milchama will bring pages of references throughout Tanach where we have clear precedents that fighting for Jewish survival is indeed considered  a Mitzvah. Purim and Chanukah are both examples of actual fighting in battles and being victorious and bringing forth a tremendous Kiddush Hashem!


Email Yanki Schneck
Assistant of Chief Rabbi of Rehovot itsallgood84@juno.com to get signed up.
 
Subject: REQUEST FROM RAV SIMCHA HAKOHEN KOOK
 
PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL YOUR CONTACTS, THANK YOU.  
 
DEAR COLLEAGUES
 
SHALOM ALEICHEM.
 
IT IS NOW 7:30 PM, THURSDAY EVENING IN NEW YORK,  2:30 AM, FRIDAY MORNING EARLY IN ERETZ YISRAEL.
WITHIN THE LAST 30 MINUTES I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM RABBI SIMCHA HAKOHEN KOOK, SHLITA, CHIEF RABBI OF RECHOVOT, A SPECIAL
INDIVIDUAL KNOWN TO MANY OF US, PERSONALLY. HIS CALL WAS FOLLOWED BY A FAX AND  PHONE CALLS  FROM HIS ASSISTANT, RABBI YAAKOV SCHNECK.
 
RABBI KOOK EXPLAINED TO ME HOW SERIOUS THE SITUATION IS IN ISRAEL, MORE SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS THAN ANY OF US CAN IMAGINE.
ERETZ YISRAEL NEEDS OUR CONSTANT AND SPECIAL TEFILLOS.
 
RAV KOOK SHARED WITH ME HIS VERY RECENT, WITHIN THE LAST FEW HOURS, CONVERSATION WITH RAV CHAIM KANIEVSKY, SHLITA
AND ASKED OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUNG ISRAEL TO SHARE THE FOLLOWING TORAH INSIGHT AND TORAH REQUEST.
SPEARHEADING THIS EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN IS RAV KOOK AND THE BOSTONER REBBE, SHLITA.
 
I SHARE WITH YOU THEIR OPEN LETTER AND REQUEST. PLEASE SHARE THE LETTER, CONCEPT, REQUEST WITH YOUR CONGREGANTS THIS SHABBOS.
 
 
TO ACHEINU BNEI YISRAEL:
 
AFTER HEARING THE HEART-RENDERING APPEAL OF GEDOLEI TORAH TO INTENSIFY OUR TEFILOS AND TORAH LEARNING
DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME FOR KLALL YISRAEL IN ERETZ YISRAEL, WE HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO JOIN AND ADD TO THEIR REQUEST.
 
THE TORAH INFORMS US THAT IN THE WAR THAT MOSHE RABBEINU AND KLALL YISRAEL WAGED AGAINST MIDYON, MOSHE "DRAFTED"
ELEF L'MATEH, ELEF L'MATEH---ONE THOUSAND SOLDIERS FROM EACH SHEVET/TRIBE. THE MEDRASH RABBA AND THE YALKUT SHIMONI EXPLAIN
THAT IN FACT, EACH SHEVET SENT ONE THOUSAND PAIRS, TWO THOUSAND INDIVIDUALS--ONE THOUSAND TO FIGHT AND ONE THOUSAND
TO DAVEN.  EACH SOLDIER HAD HIS DESIGNATED PERSON WHOSE TASK WAS TO DAVEN AND LEARN FOR HIS SPECIFIC SOLDIER COLLEAGUE.
AND THE TORAH TELLS US--V'LO NIFKAD MIMENU ISH, NO ONE WAS KILLED FROM AMONGST THE JEWISH ARMY.
 
WE BROUGHT THIS IDEA TO RAV CHAIM KANIEVSKY, SHLITA,. HE WAS QUITE HAPPY ABOUT THE IDEA AND POINTED OUT THAT
DOVID HAMELECH INSTITUTED THE PLAN, AS WELL. EACH INVDIVIDUAL WHO WAS IN COMBAT HAD A DESIGNATED PERSON WHO WAS
DAVENING AND LEARNING IN HIS MERIT.
 
THEREFORE, WE ASK OF EVERYONE --SOLDIERS, RESIDENTS OF CITIES AND TOWNS THAT ARE UNDER ATTACK, THOSE THAT ARE IN SHELTERS,
ALL THAT FIND THEMSELVES IN DANGER, TO CONTACT US, TO GIVE US YOUR HEBREW NAME AND THE HEBREW NAME OF YOUR MOTHER.
WE WILL FIND A JEW WHO WILL ACCEPT UPON HIMSELF/HERSELF TO DAVEN AND LEARN, SPECIFICALLY AS A MERIT FOR YOUR SAFETY AND SECURITY. 
 
WE CALL UPON THE JEWISH COMMUNITY--MEN AND WOMEN, ADULT AND YOUTH, IN THE DIASPORA, TO JOIN IN THIS HOLY
ENDEAVOR, ACCEPT A NAME OF A  SOLDIER OR CIVILIAN WHO FINDS HIMSELF/HERSELF IN DANGER. BOND WITH ACHEINU
BNEI YISRAEL IN ERETZ YISRAEL AND "PARTNER" IN TORAH AND TEFILAH WITH A SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL, HAVE THAT PERSON,
BY NAME, INCLUDED IN YOUR TEFILOS, TORAH LEARNING AND ACTS OF CHESED.
 
IF YOU WISH TO PARTNER WITH A JEW IN ISRAEL, PLEASE CONTACT US AND WE WILL SHARE WITH YOU A JEW WHO WOULD BE HONORED AND
APPRECIATIVE TO BE PART OF YOUR TEFILOS AND TORAH LEARNING.
BY TELEPHONE, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8-10 PM IN ERETZ YISRAEL, 011-972-2-581-1911; BY FAX, 011-972-2-651-2950;
 
IN THE MERIT OF OUR CONCERN FOR EACH OTHER, MAY WE SEE A SUCCESSFUL END TO THIS WAR, AS IT SAYS IN THE PASUK, V'LO NIFKAD MIMENU ISH,
WITHOUT THE LOSS OF EVEN JUST ONE MORE PERSON.
 
--THE LETTER IS SIGNED BY THE BOSTONER REBBE, SHLITA AND RAV SIMCHA HAKOHEN KOOK
 
--IF WE AT NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUNG ISRAEL CAN ASSIST IN MATCHING A CONCERNED JEW WITH A BROTHER OR SISTER IN ISRAEL,
A SOLDIER OR CIVILIAN, PLEASE DO CALL UPON US. TEL 212-929-1525 EXT 100/101; FAX 212-727-9526; E-MAILEXECVP@YOUNGISRAEL.ORG
 
--THANK YOU, TIZKU L'MITZVOT
 
 
Rabbi Pesach Lerner

from:
 Elisha Klausner
 Menahel
 Veitzener Cheder
Rav at  Kahal Tiferes Yisroel

"Osa Shalom bimromav ho yaesa shalom elaneu val kul yisrael bimeranu AMEN!!!!!!!!!!"

--
Sincerely,

Robin Ticker
Activist emails sent to my list  are L'Ilui Nishmat Yisrael ben David Aryeh ob"m (Izzy - Kaplan) and Howard Chaim Grief great activists and lovers of Eretz Yisroel, Am Yisroel and the Torah. Yehi Zichronum Baruch.  May their memories serve as a blessing.

Most of these emails are posted on Shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com 

Personal emails to individuals will not be posted to my blog. T

Monday, March 03, 2014

Chareid Mass-Prayer Rally - It's all Good!

bs"d


If you have been reading and following my posts on Shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com  it is clear that I did not see this rally as a positive because I sensed that some of the energies was coming from an unholy source.  This played out with Motzei Shem Ra (slander) on members of the Gov't and Religious Zionists accused of wanting to uproot Torah, a false perception especially in the ranks of the Dati Leumi community who serve in the Army and consider their service in the army as a Biblical commandment and a  Milchemet Mitzvah.   Apparently the hard feelings against the Chareidi draft was a  result of criminal and economic sanctions that threatened  the Chareidi population and deeply and painfully affected those who learn Torah. 

The Mass Chareidi - Prayer happened and between 300,00 and 800,00 attended depending on the news report.  Let's see how this rally can be viewed and actually turn into a positive and let us use the rally as a starting point for long needed discussion and education and debate leshem Shamayim, for heaven's sake, a Machlokes, like a dispute, between Hillel and Shamai.  Let this be a call for a Kosher Debate, without slander and defamation or name calling,  as per how the Torah views a Military Draft in a Sovereign Jewish Homeland so that it does not chas veshalom, G-d forbid uproot Torah but serves the opposite purpose of actually fulfilling the commandments of the Torah to defend the Land and the people.  

The positives of the Mass - Prayer Rally


Watch: Hareidi Mass-Prayer Rally Ends With Shema Recital

This is what one of the largest-ever Jewish prayer sessions looks and feels like.

Jerusalem Rally Reflections: When Thoughts Win Wars
It was an experience of a lifetime. To be part of the biggest minyan since the Beit Hamikdash. To daven mincha with so many people…"


Tremendous Ahavas Yisroel:

http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/2014/03/rabbi-shmuel-eliyahu-explains-why-he-is.html

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Unfortunately, media incitement seemed to fuel motzei shem ra.

 Association of Community Rabbis Skips March Over Incitement
Group headed by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu cancels plans to attend until Yated Ne'eman retracts incitement against Religious Zionist leader.



If there was so much negative incitement, how can we view this rally as good?  Let us learn from the Lubavitch Rebbe as per how to respond with what appears to be a bad situation.  The situation came through a relative of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Instead of viewing the removal of precious books from the Chabad Library a simple act of theft, The Rebbe approached these troubling events as a Heaven-sent call to increase our efforts in studying and publicizing these and other holy books, as in the following statement made after their return: "…We must say that the reason for these problems was only to bring a greater level of ascent. The only reason for the troubling and uncertain situation was to accomplish greater things many times over, in the area of spreading Yiddishkeit." Read more at: http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/jerusalem-rally-reflections-when-thoughts-win-wars/2014/03/03/

The Chareidi SideThe resolutions of the Rally according to the accepted and respected Sages of the Chareidim 

 Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman, Rav Shalom Cohen, Vizhnitzer Rebbe  

Decisions by consensus of the three major councils of Torah sages, which met last week in Bnei Brak – that of Shas, Degel Hatorah and Agudat Yisrael.  Mass Tefillah Gathering Called For Sunday In Yerushalayim  by Dovid Hoffman and Avi Yishai http://www.yated.com/mass-tefillah-gathering-called-for-sunday-in-yerushalayim.7-1184-7-.html

"First to speak at the conference was Rav Shteinman, who decried the terrible chillul Hashem embodied in criminal sanctions. Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman said at the meeting that "chillul Hashem is a worse sin than avodah zarah, for which we are obligated to give up our lives rather than transgress.

 

"Everyone knows that there is no greater chillul Hashem than to be rodef those who learn Torah, because Torah and Klal Yisroel are one and the same, and Yisroel and Oraisa and Kudsha Brich Hu are also chad. If there is no Torah, the world will be destroyed. Our tachlis is to learn Torah, and there is nothing worse than to disrupt those who learn Torah.

 

"This is our life, the life of Klal Yisroel from the time of Matan Torah until this very day… May Hakadosh Boruch Hu ensure that all those who wish to impede this will fail, and that we will merit to be saved from them, and to learn Torah and more Torah."

 

"The whole purpose of existence is to study Torah and there is nothing worse than harassing those involved in this mitzvah. This is our life, the life of Klal Yisroel in all generations from the time the Torah was given until today. We must know that there is nothing except Torah. This is our life!


 

Rav Shalom Cohen of the Shas Moetzes said that the danger hanging over the heads of Sefardi bnei Torah is even greater.

 

"All the Sefardim are like hanefesh asher asu beChoron [the people Avrohom and Sarah saved from spiritual destruction]," he said. "I know from my yeshiva that many talmidim's parents want them to go to the army. They don't understand anything. If their sons were not close to their rabbonim, they would go to the army. The rabbonim watch over them. If they don't do something and announce that there should be no army [enlistment] at all, it won't work, chas vesholom.

 

"The media incites against the bnei yeshivos. This influences Sefardim. Our community may be the hardest hit from this decree. We must learn from hanefesh asher asu beChoron and draw as many people to Torah as we possibly can. I request that a decision be issued from here that there be no army [enlistment] and nothing [else]. Their money doesn't interest us. We are only interested in Torah."

 

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe emphasized the importance of putting up a united resistance to the draft law.

 

"The posuk says, 'Yisroel encamped there opposite the mountain,' and Chazal explain, 'Like one person, with one heart.' The goal is unity," he said. "I think that the many rebbes and rabbonim present here must unitedly, publicly, and clearly announce that we will not enlist at all. We have nothing to do with the army, nothing at all. This is the message that must come out from here. If we all unite, with Hashem's help we will persevere and merit the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu, soon in our days."

 

At the end of the meeting, the joint decisions of the three Mo'atzos Gedolei Hatorahwas announced:

 

"This is not a time to keep silent. Under the prime minister's directive, a plot has arisen among the authorities to rebel against Hashem's Malchus. Their intention is to uproot the Torah and to impart criminal sanctions upon those [for whom] Torah is their livelihood to the extent of throwing them into prison.

 

"We tremble at the terrible chillul Hashem and humiliation of the Torah this entails. We are fearful of what may result, and pained at the continued attacks directed against the Torah world and the unending attempts to put obstacles in their path. In light of this, we have decided as follows:

 

1. The Moetzes Gedolei Vechachmei HaTorahdemands that the government immediately annul the decisions of the committee that seeks the coercive draft of talmidei yeshivos and kollelim. We call upon all bnei yeshivos and kollelim not to enlist in the army under any circumstance, not be persuaded by any blandishment or punishment, and not to participate in the army's plan to set up a central sorting center for chareidi [IDF inductees], but instead to continue studying Torah day and night.

 

2. If, chas veshalom, those who persecute religion enact their plots and make a coercive enlistment law, the Mo'atzos Gedolei Vechachmei HaTorah will convene to make plans against them and their plots, and consider forbidding  visiting army induction centers [even to merely receive deferments].

 

3. The Mo'atzos Gedolei Vechachmei HaTorah demand that the government cease persecuting the Torah world and instead help the growth of Torah and chinuch institutions in the Holy Land in the path forged by our forefathers.

 

4. The Mo'atzos Gedolei Vechachmei HaTorahturn to the Jewish people with this message: 'Nothing is left to us but this Torah.' Torah study and fulfilling its mitzvos in holiness and purity are a defending wall for the Jewish people against every distress and tribulation wherever they live. This is a protection from public and private, physical and spiritual difficulties that oppress them in all the places they dwell. We must hugely increase Torah study and the holy performance of its mitzvos, and the precise performance of every detail of halachah.

 

5. The Mo'atzos Gedolei Vechachmei HaTorahcall upon our Jewish brothers in every place they dwell, in Eretz Yisroel and abroad, to grasp the skill of our forefathers [prayer]. All Jews must gather, men and children, to cry out and plea to our Father in Heaven to have mercy upon us as a father spares his children. We hereby announce that those who fear Hashem's word will gather at a rally of prayer and outcry and mass protest… This will be a kiddush Hashem to counteract the chillul Hashem made by those who plot to uproot religion.


Rabbi Tuvia Schulzinger, the Rabbi of the city of Kiryat Ata and a close associate of prominent hareidi leader Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach

The hareidi public will fight the enlistment of Torah students in the IDF no matter what sanctions the government imposes, warned Rabbi Tuvia Schulzinger, the rabbi of the city of Kiryat Ata and a close associate of prominent hareidi leader Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach.

Speaking to Arutz Sheva, Rabbi Schulzinger compared the expected anti-enlistment protests to recent violent riots in Ukraine.

"Remember what happened in Ukraine, the President had to step down. Here, too, if the powers that be fight us and religion, they will not succeed, none of them will succeed," he declared.

"One million people will flood Jerusalem, and [Prime Minister] Netanyahu will need to step down," he predicted.

Hareidi Jews would rather die than enlist, he predicted. "Rabbi Shach already said that we won't stay in the country. People need to sacrifice for this, and it's likely some will be killed in this war.

"But under no circumstances will we allow young men to be prevented from learning Torah," he declared.

He expressed skepticism over the government's ability to counter hareidi resistance to the enlistment law. "What are they going to do, put tens of thousands of men in jail?" he asked.

Rabbi Schulzinger argued that the real motive behind the enlistment law is a hatred of hareidi Jews, and a desire to change their way of life. "There is a deep hate of hareidi Jews, a hate led by Yair Lapid," he accused.

"They want to change our faith. It won't work," he continued. "Tanks, APCs – nothing will crush us. The Torah is eternal." http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/177918#.UxTX6fldVps

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My comments:

 

 I lived in Kiryat Arba for many years and have a deep connection with Hebron. I pray for Hashems help that this bond remains an eternal one for me and my children and my children's children. 


Living near Chevron and Maarat Hamachpela, brings forth a passion and Love for the Torah, Eretz Yisroel and love for all of our people, Chareidim, Dati Leumi and Chiloni. 

I admire the leadership that it took to unite 600,000 to say Tehillim. But it deeply pains me to suspect that some of the energy from this rally came from an unholy source. Surely not Chevron!

As we say in davening " LeOlam Yehei Adam Yirei Shamayim BaSeser Uvagalui, Umodeh al HaEmes VeDover Emes Bilvavo..

My question to you and to all the Rabbanim and Yeshivoth who participated is as follows: How is it that the organizers of the chareidi million Man Rally didn't acknowledge the real Haman of today,  the Palestinians whose founder the Grand Mufti partnered with Hitler Yemach Shemo VeZichro or the Iranians like the Ayatollah Khomeini   or Rouhani Yemach Shemum, busy preparing nuclear gallows for the State of Israel.  Why such a harsh attack, surely not as deserved in comparison, on the Jewish govt, and religious Zionists and their Rabbi's. There was too much Rechilus and  Motzei Shem Ra, Diba Raah  in the rhetoric reported in their meeting and subsequent news articles that promoted and called for "Leich kenos es kol haYehudim"

Lapid's position:  How would the Chareidi community view army service if indeed they were running the gov't of Israel in a Torah State based on Torah law?  Would they say there is no need for a Jewish army????This is a point Lapid brought up when talking to Chareidim when he acknowledged their strength that has grown over the years. I read this speech and it is not anti Chareidi rhetoric in my opinion. There are some very valid points Lapid makes and I believe he is sincere when he calls the Chareidim his brothers.  I do think that in other speeches he and others in the Chareidi parties lost it by getting angry especially when money and funding was being discussed.  But deep down there is a love of his fellow Jew and I believe it is authentic. But judge for yourself! Video and Translation of Yair Lapid's Speech to Chareidim in the Wake of the New Law - Delivered at the Knesset  http://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/print.php?ARTICLE_ID=39819 By Yair Lapid Posted on 07/08/13


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The Dati Leumi Position:

Is the govt of Israel defying Torah when they call Chareidim to be included in the draft?  Are they being Rodef those who learn Torah as Rav Shteinman seems to say?  Lehefech, the opposite the Religious Zionist Rabbis teach their students.  They  are consistent with Torah and in keeping with and fullfilling the Torah of defending the Land in fighting a Milchemet Mitzvah. 

I looked up the word Milchama in the Concordance and found numerous examples and precedent (several pages of fine print) from Tanach where going to War was a Mitzvah and required,  (Avraham Avinu, Yaakov Avinu prepares for war, Moshe Rabbeinu with Amalek and then with Sichon and Og, Moshe Rabbeinu rebuking Reuvein and Gad for wanting to settle on the other side of the Jordan and asking them if they will allow their brother to fight alone?  Yehoshua and the many battles, Shoftim, Deborah and Balak and Shirat Devorah which rebukes the tribes who did not fight, Dovid Hamelech and the many battles not to mention Mordechai and the Jews in the time of Purim after they were given permission to fight back and destroyed those who wanted to implement Haman's evil decree and what about the Chashmonaim? etc). There are many commandments associated with counting the people according to those of army age, and going to war and making sure that the army is Holy and conditions as per who is exempt from army service etc....  How can we honestly call a draft into a Jewish army anti Torah?


Learning Torah is indeed very important. But that doesn't mean that the army isn't necessary. Both are necessary. Recently, the Rabbanim of Kiev felt that Israel would come to their rescue of they were attacked. For that operation you need an army. Pikuach Nefesh!  Would we be able to respond in kind without an army?

During the Holocaust did Jews have that option?  What was the end result?

Moshe assembled and disassembled the Mishkan even though Hashem actually built it so it stood. The Jews all participated and Hashem needed their Hishtadlus, participation, as a Kli a vessel for His Blessings. Their pure intentions and motives in their Melacha, their work, was a necessary precondition. They didn't only learn about how to build the Mishkan. They actually used the tools of their trade and material to build it!


Why is the act of going to war any different from any other Mitzva especially when one goes to War to Battle for the Torah and for the Land of Israel? 

Isn't it true that those most G-d fearing were especially, chosen for fighting since they are considered the best soldiers, the necessary vessel through which Hashem fights for us and through which Hashem's Salvation can happen?

Weren't the people reprimanded for allowing their brethren to go to war alone and not sharing the burden? 

To deny parts of Torah and to pick and choose is to deny Torah. Rather than condemn the draft unconditionally, why not negotiate how being in a Holy and Jewish army is an honor and privilege and will enhance Torah and actualize Torah!  Even a student who learns Torah day and night should belong and be an integral part of a G-d fearing Jewish army. I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu, MK Naftali Bennett and MK Yair Lapid might all agree with that as well.


All comments are welcome!  


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Sincerely,

Robin Ticker
Activist emails sent to my list  are L'Ilui Nishmat Yisrael ben David Aryeh ob"m (Izzy - Kaplan) and Howard Chaim Grief great activists and lovers of Eretz Yisroel, Am Yisroel and the Torah. Yehi Zichronum Baruch.  May their memories serve as a blessing.

Most of these emails are posted on Shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com 

Personal emails to individuals will not be posted to my blog.