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A link in the chain of generations

שו”תCategory: generalA link in the chain of generations
asked 7 years ago

Hey Miki
These words were written following polemics with observant Jews [who is more, and who is less].
Despite your limited time, I would ask you to refer to the paragraphs in red.
Although the claim is often made that monotheism was “invented” by our forefather Abraham, the Book of Genesis contains statements that belief in the one God, the Creator of the world, predates our forefather Abraham.
In addition, the Sages’ teachings mentioned the Yeshiva of Shem and Eber. From these midrashim, it can be concluded that the Sages were aware of an earlier, more advanced social culture. Indeed, there is documentation that King Arkogina, who ruled the kingdom of Lagash [which existed in Mesopotamia around 2400 BC], enacted advanced social legislation regarding the freeing of slaves and slaves. Apparently, the word Dror comes from there.
Contrary to popular belief, the builders of the pyramids in ancient Egypt were free men who created work teams that competed with each other to increase productivity.

So what is our place in history?
My opinion is that Judaism collected and grouped social values, integrated them into the framework of belief in the one God [who in our sources does not explicitly state that He is omnipotent!], and added the vision of the end times.
One of the characteristics of observant Jews is their commitment to the chain of generations.
Some of the religious public think that if they are careful to observe the commandments and pray “from the depths of the depths,” calamities that could affect the human race will be avoided by Jews who are faithful to the word of God.
Nevertheless, most of the religious public understands that observing the commandments is not enough to continue the chain of generations.
The chain of generations is contingent on existential security for the people of Israel.
The basic condition for this existential security is a strong society founded on a shared vision and direction. These will enable a strong army and a robust economy.
And it is understood that the small size of the State of Israel and its small population obligate the people of Israel and its leaders to think realistically and cautiously, yet with vision and vision – a vision that will be expressed in our understanding of the necessity to think several steps ahead in all sorts of directions.
This is how we connect to the commandment to prevent unintentional murder. To that end, we must be committed to “turning over every stone” to prevent killing.
We must remember and internalize that the road to hell is paved with good intentions! A portion of the public, which is indeed committed to preserving the chain of generations, ignores consequences that seem unexpected to it, and cause the murder of Jews, and the resulting dizziness of violence.
Here I move on to another topic – I am obliged to raise a question intended for Jews who believe that God answers the prayers of people who keep His commandments: Even if we have all experienced a full answer to our prayers, in the 27th century the inevitable and difficult moment comes when there is nothing left but to justify the judgment…
Well from my perspective – It does not seem appropriate to me that people should use modern technologies that are based on a scientific method – and at the same time alienate themselves from this method when it conflicts with their “spiritual” lives! [Scientific method – observing facts, analyzing them, formulating a theory and conducting experiments or at least organized and documented observations so that the development of technological means is based on this method,]
The reason I raised this issue is because the very existence of the State of Israel is the result of various incarnations of the Jewish faith. And I am not referring here to the question of the implementation of various laws, but to the central principle that God, blessed be He, bestows favor, whether in this world or in the next, on those who do His will. And an integral part of Jewish identity is to pray to God in times of distress and ask Him for help.
And I return to the issue of the chain of generations: whether we like it or not, the Jewish people are part of the entire human race, and all other species on Earth.
We are now at a critical juncture, a juncture where the human race is likened to a child who is allowed to drive a heavy truck without being properly trained.
If he drives carefully and slowly, he will learn while driving, and if not…
The understanding that the interest in continuing the chain of generations requires preserving the fabric of life on our planet is what should spur the religious sector to become a leading force on the issue of global sustainability in its various aspects.
But the entire nation of Israel will be able to express its commitment to being a special people – if it takes upon itself to lead as a people and not just as the struggle of individuals – in all issues of sustainability, which will first and foremost be the search for and finding real solutions to the plight of residents of various countries.
But the first step, and it seems to me the most significant, would perhaps be – if the call comes from Judaism [I don’t know how!] –
Because we are mortal, even the sages of various religions are liable to make mistakes in understanding God’s words and interpreting them. Therefore, humans must not cause irreversible damage to what God created.
I am convinced that the very challenge of spreading this insight among believers of all religions will connect us to the Creator of the world much more than if we were to focus on preparations for the construction of the Temple.
Since you have long been familiar with most of my other insights, I would of course be happy if you read them and if you find it appropriate to comment on any of them – I would welcome it, but your position on the red paragraph is very important to me.
Thanks in advance and happy holidays


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מיכי Staff answered 7 years ago
Good week, A. I didn’t understand the point of the red paragraph. Why abstain from technological achievements? Where does this conflict with spiritual life? When there is something technological that is forbidden, then it is forbidden like everything else. Why does it require not using technology at all?

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