Efforts to Buy Land – #315 | Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Beit Midrash

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Recipient and Background: The Organization for Purchasing Land in Eretz Yisrael in Bialystok. We have seen a few earlier letters Rav Kook sent helping them decide about where and how to acquire land.

Body: I received your respected letter a few weeks ago. I did not respond quickly because at that time rumors emerged that the Ottoman government started to raise difficulties for Jews who want to buy land in Eretz Yisrael, even if the buyers are Ottoman citizens. Of course, we decided on a hands-off approach, until we were recently able to investigate the matter and determine that the rumors have no basis. Apparently, the whole matter was a creation of enemies of the Jewish People, who look unfavorably on the development of the community of our brethren returning from exile. We now are optimistic that Hashem will show His nation a countenance of light and that there will not be major obstacles to acquiring land, beyond what has existed until now.

Igrot Hare’aya (200)

Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit

223 - Reassuring His Parents – #314 – part II

224 - Efforts to Buy Land – #315

225 - Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319

From my perspective, I am ready to do whatever I can, with Hashem’s help, on behalf of the acquisition. Now that the fear of new obstacles has waned, I hope to have conversations with activists and try to achieve favorable treatment for your respected organization. I look hopefully to Hashem, who chooses Zion and shows us early signs of flowering salvation for His nation as it returns to its holy land. May the words that come from my heart enter the hearts [of government officials], so your organization will be able to take steps with quiet confidence.

I cannot give details at this time, as I am preoccupied with an important trip. I hope to find out soon more concerning your efforts. I will share with you promptly whatever I can.

Enlisting Help that Jews Buy Jewish Produce – #316

Date and Place: 28 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo

Recipient and Background: Rav Chaim Berlin, Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. We have seen recent letters between the two on the topic of Shemitta produce.

Body: My pen shakes as I write about the despicable act that has now been perpetuated against our brothers, residents of the moshavot. Until now, it has been accepted not to give kashrut certification to non-Jewish produce, so as to not oppress Jews who are afflicted by poverty, whose hopes are to survive by selling their grapes. Now, after we have completed dealing with the dispute over the question of Shemitta, all of which was done to help our brethren from the moshavot, people arose surreptitiously to advise people to buy specifically from non-Jews. This uplifts the stature of our enemies, who enjoy our misfortune, and see how we ourselves aim to hurt our brethren and co-religionists. How can this be?!

The magnitude of the disgrace and desecration of the Divine Name is inestimable, as is the very wickedness of the act. The blood of my heart boils as if it were in a pot, and my pain reaches the Heavens, from this horrible situation, from the fall from true Torah and fear of Heaven that is engendered by it. I ask you, honorable Torah giant, to remedy the perverse situation to the best of your ability.

I caution that there is a high possibility that the produce of non-Jews is forbidden due to orla (fruit from trees that are less than three years old) and kilay hakerem (crops grown in proximity to other species), more now than in the past. We can be trusted to supervise our brethren’s crops very reliably. How can things be turned on their head – that people should prefer to buy unsupervised produce from non-Jews, just to harm our own flesh and blood?

Igrot Hare’aya