Description of New Yeshiva’s Goals to a Supporter – #328 | Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Beit Midrash

Beit Midrash

Sections
Chemdat Yamim
Igrot Hare’aya

קטגוריה משנית

Parashat Hashavua Series'Library Piskei Din (Hebrew)Test Yourself

Recipient and Background: Mr. Chaim Cohen. It is clear from different elements of the letter that Mr. Cohen was a wealthy potential supporter of Rav Kook’s new yeshiva, with an appreciation for Torah.

Body: It was a while ago that we had a broad discussion on important matters, including the foundation of the yeshiva, which, to me, is very crucial to be established here, in the area of the holy city [of Yafo] and the moshavot, as a "central yeshiva." In other words, it has to be central for the New Yishuv of Hashem’s nation in Eretz Yisrael as a whole. Your honor told me then that we would speak about this precious matter in writing. However, I held back and did not write to encourage you to act in practice and influence your distinguished peer group, until I succeeded in starting to found it with Hashem’s help. This plants hope that the matter will flourish, as I and choice people within our nation hope. We await the improvement of the Jewish community of Eretz Yisrael, from the material and spiritual perspectives, with Hashem’s exalted right hand.

Igrot Hare’aya (200)

Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit

231 - Language of Instruction for Rav Kook’s Yeshiva – #325

232 - Description of New Yeshiva’s Goals to a Supporter – #328

233 - Good Work, Regrettable Language – #330

The yeshiva must be created to raise the stature of the New Yishuv and make it more beloved among the multitudes of the members of our nation. The New Yishuv cannot presently coalesce with the Old Yishuv, although it can absorb its goodness and also influence the Old Yishuv from its goodness.

Generally, Eretz Yisrael is missing a yeshiva in which young people can study for a set amount of years and emerge as men who acquired an important level of Torah erudition and then will proceed with a specific goal in life. Until now, yeshiva students generally enter a yeshiva, study independently, and receive support for their whole lives. This is an important thing in Yerushalayim and the Old Yishuv but is inappropriate for the expectations of the New Yishuv and those who flock to it.

Furthermore, we need a yeshiva that will provide its students with spiritual influence. It cannot just be a group of independent studiers but students who listen and are educated, including in the approach to level-headed study of Torah, knowledge, and national affection for the nation and the Land. This must be connected properly to the light of Torah and fear of Heaven, which, according to the character of the generation, is indispensable, especially in the New Yishuv. Such students need to comport themselves in an attractive manner, with pleasant appearance, in addition to internal preparation to accept the light of Torah and good personal attributes.

To accomplish all the above and many other preparatory steps requires very significant expenses. I hope we will find people who love the Jewish People and Eretz Yisrael, who are known to love Torah and its foundations from "the mountains of sanctity." This is the first powerful step toward rejuvenating the nation and anticipating the salvation. We need them to work as a united force to provide enough power to accomplish this great work and increase its scope.

There is no need for me to write too much before one such as you, with a heart that is awake and easily absorbs everything that is refined and holy. I am confident based on our successful acquaintance here, and based on your pure spirit, that you will want to be one of the chief promoters of the institution, which is in its inception and needs to take broader strides to go from strength to strength. Be aware that the wise and honorable rabbi, one of the teachers in the yeshiva, Mr. Shem Tov Gefen, is traveling [to your area]. Certainly, you will welcome him with signs of love and provide what he needs. This will be remembered positively forever in the halls of Hashem and regarding the reawakening of the Holy Land.

Igrot Hare’aya