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There has been a meme circulating on Facebook for some time, with a quote from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, responding to a letter sent by a person who proclaimed herself "not Orthodox", saying that there is no such thing as Orthodox, Conservative and...
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This is a most sensitive topic, which raises great anger in both Jewish and non Jewish circles. Opinions vary greatly.We have our G-d given laws of both the written and Oral Torahs. To what degree are we bound by the laws of the place we live in?...
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We must ask a question as to where the authority of the secular authorities comes from in the first place. If you and I perform a business transaction, how does the government become a party to that? Many of the medieval authorities suggest that...
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Another factor in all of this is the concept of "Hillul HaShem" (Desecrating the Name of G-d). If a Jew does something wrong, or is even perceived as doing something wrong, it reflects badly upon the Jews in general, and ultimately upon the Torah....
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Part of the reason for the non acceptance of the "Dina D''Malchuta" principle as halachah in many circles, is the fact that it would put every town council on a greater footing than the Sanhedrin. When a Sanhedrin makes an enactment, it doesn't...
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Through the ages, there have been theoretical discussions if the concept of Dina D'Malchuta would apply to a Jewish government in the Land of Israel. Many opined that it woulod not, as such a government would clearly need to be founded upon Torah...
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When I was twelve, I read Marx's "Communist Manifesto". I loved the idea of a classless society, with each contributing according to his abilities, and receiving according to his needs. But I had no knowledge of how many tens of millions had been...
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One of the disciples of the Vilna Gaon, wrote a book called "Kol HaTor" in which he outlines the events leading to redemption. In this book, it is stated that "Mashiach son of Joseph" will be a secular leader (or leaders), who will gather in the...
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Like many, I was convinced that the only place for a Jew was Israel. It was 1983, and Sima and I realized that it was now or never. I was now thirty four, and many programs had an age thirty five limit. We had read Rabbi Kahane's books about the...
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The Rav Kook communities, especially in the settlements, see violating Israeli Civil law as tantamount to rebellion against G-d Himself. Rabbi Melamed's daughter in law, was running an unofficial day care center from her home. It didn't take long...
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