- Family and Society
- The State and Government of Israel
Can there be an Orthodox State of Israel & When?
Question
When will the state of Israel be Orthodox and not a secular democratic state? Can we have one now or do we have to wait? How do you know?
Answer
Modern times have clearly shown, that God runs Jewish history and implements the redemption: gathering the exiles, reviving Hebrew, the Israeli desert and army, through logical, natural ways harmonized with human "free will". Accordingly, one sees statistically that the State of Israel is gradually, but consistently and democratically (!), becoming more religious, as seen in the Knesset and even more so, in registration for religious education, religious youth movements and programs for ba'alei tshuva. The traditional have a much higher birthrate, as well as Aliya-rate from western countries (including France), as opposed to those "yordim" unfortunately leaving Israel, who are mainly irreligious. We pray and believe that the "snow-ball" effect, and unforeseen joyful Godly events, will hasten these phenomena even more, in our lifetime.
Nevertheless, and as indicated above, these changes must be voluntary (democratic!) and not through religious coercion; otherwise, they are not real, happy nor lasting. In addition, it's important to remember that the ge'ula is for all of Israel, and all mankind, and not just for the religious.
With Love of Israel,
Rabbi Ari Shvat (Chwat)

Land Grab ??
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tishrei 24, 5780

resistance and giving away the Land of Israel
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 6, 5772

Settling Idol Worshipers in Israel
Rabbi Eliezer S. Weisz | 10 Shevat 5763

Israel - a secular state?
Rabbi David Samson | 30 Nisan 5763

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

A Day is a thousand years
Adar I 23, 5771

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771

Yericho conquest by Yehoshua
Tevet 28, 5771

Evils Spirits & Ghosts
Adar II 25, 5771

Bracha at cemetery
Various Rabbis | 7 Nisan 5766

Woman doing Kiddush for husband
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 4, 5776

Kashering a dishwasher
Rabbi David Sperling | Cheshvan 23, 5778

Taping a TV Show on Shabbat
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 22 Iyyar 5765
priestly blessing
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 16, 5782
halachas
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 21, 5782

a mishna
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 16, 5782
