by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jul 9, 2014
The Jewish nation is now being confronted with the greatest challenges in our history. There is the unstoppable divestment in Judaism by our people in the galut who marry non-Jews, as if they were God’s gift to the Jewish people.
Anti-Semitism is rapidly expanding in Europe, and like a deadly virus it cannot be contained. It will erupt anywhere in the world where there is economic stagnation and social frustration.
But the most dramatic and challenging events are occurring now in and around Eretz Yisrael.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jul 2, 2014
The kidnapping and murder of the three young yeshiva students – Naftali Frankel, Aiyal Yifrach and Gil’ad Sha’ar – has united the Jews in Eretz Yisrael to a remarkable degree. But now in the aftermath of the disclosure of their murder, despite all the prayers that were recited in every Israeli-minded bet knesset, will begin the heart-wrenching questions and doubts: Why did HaShem do this to the families and to the extended family of Jews in Eretz Yisrael?
In the absence of a prophet, no one can know for sure. However, we are still obligated to try to reach some understanding concerning these events for the present and future.
The following are my thoughts and feelings at this time.
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jun 26, 2014
All three kings refused to allow the Jews to pass through their lands on their way to the Promised Land. In each instant, Moshe’s reaction was quite unexpected. When Edom refused and even met the Jews at the border with an army, Moshe complied and took a wide berth around the lands of Edom.
However, when Sichon refused to let us pass, we went to war and destroyed all the Emorites. This was repeated when Og and his army and his entire nation were decimated, with all their property and cities falling to the Jewish nation.
What was behind the Jewish tactic of retreating before Edom but standing firm before Sichon and Og?
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jun 19, 2014
When Avraham heard that his nephew Lot was taken captive, he did not enter into negotiations with the perpetrators, but killed them. When a single non-Jewish maid servant was taken captive (Bamidbar 21,1), Moshe declared war in order to retrieve her. When Amalek took the city of Tziklag (Shmuel 1 chapter 30) David reacted immediately with military might.
Medinat Yisrael owes a debt to Jewish history, to the Torah way of right and wrong, and to the soldiers and citizens of the Medina.
Were it in my authority, I would deliver an ultimatum…
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jun 12, 2014
The meraglim (scouts) took advantage of their reputations to negate HaShem’s command to enter Eretz Yisrael. And their followers abdicated their own opinions, beliefs and assessments in favor of their leaders’ recommendations, knowing full well that the tribal leaders were in opposition to Moshe.
Rabbinic leaders must envelope themselves with humility in speech, in dress, in the homes in which they live, the cars they drive, the weddings they make for their family, and never never manipulate their followers by saying, “trust me”!
by Rabbi Nachman Kahana | Jun 3, 2014
If you ever saw the faces of a professional basketball or football team after losing a league game, you saw a merger of disappointment, frustration and anger. If that pro team would ever lose to a middle ranking high school team, the coach would be released on the spot and the players would be the laughing stock of sports for all time.
Could one imagine that the Holy One Blessed Be He, the omnipotent Creator of heaven and earth could lose to lowly man and even rejoice over his “failure”?
But it did happen!
