Ep. 478: Is the War in Gaza a Step Toward Transforming Exile Into Redemption?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What does this week’s Torah portion teach us about today’s war?  Why is the entire book of Shemos, including the narrative about the bitter exile, called the “Book of Redemption”?  What does this teach us about darkness and about attacking Jews?  Can we learn any lessons from G-d appearing to Moshe in the burning bush?   What do we learn from Moshe’s protest to G-d: “why have You harmed this people?”  If Jacob’s best years of his life were in Mitzrayim, why was he so adamant that he should be buried in Israel?  20 and 24 Teves  The Rambam and the Alter Rebbe’s merits should save us all  The Enemy  Should we see all the Palestinians as our enemy?  How can we transform, not just eradicate, the enemy?  If darkness is only the absence of light, how is it that our enemies have captured the minds of many people?  Is the war in Gaza a step toward transforming exile into redemption?   Actions  What impact should this war have on our lives?  How to become a more sensitive person?  What is the best way to restore confidence to someone who has suffered humiliation?  Is there a quota on how much Tehillim should be recited?  Is there a time that we should refrain from learning Torah to deprive the enemy of strength, as we do on Nittel?  Should we have more intention when we say the blessing “matir asurim” to help free the remaining hostages?  Is it wrong to make racist jokes about Hamas?  Should Chassidus be taught to non-Jews?  Lessons from Tunnels  Are there any personal and positive lessons we can learn from the tunnels of destruction built under Gaza?  Can a secular song be the carrier of a inspiring divine message?   Is it appropriate to honor the secular new year?  Is there any similarity between the new year and Rosh Hashana?  New Year  Is it appropriate to honor the secular new year?  Is there any similarity between the new year and Rosh Hashana?