The Mishnah (kelim 17:13) discusses the instance of an amphibian called, "kelev ha-yam," a seal. The laws of purity are not the same for animals of the sea and land. Since seals inhabit both land and sea, what laws apply to it? Fish or land animal?
The Mishnah rules that in times of great danger the seal flees the water and takes refuge on land. Therefore we reckon it to be a land creature.
So it is with the Jew, even one who is estranged remains Jewish as he or she returns "home" when threatened. -Rabbi Yitzhak Ariel
Danger brings clear-headedness. It is what we need to remember when the dust clears.
The Mishnah rules that in times of great danger the seal flees the water and takes refuge on land. Therefore we reckon it to be a land creature.
So it is with the Jew, even one who is estranged remains Jewish as he or she returns "home" when threatened. -Rabbi Yitzhak Ariel
Danger brings clear-headedness. It is what we need to remember when the dust clears.
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