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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Moreshet Shaul
We can clearly conclude that the feeling of nationalism did invigorate the youth of the Zionist movement, in its earlier days, motivating them to come to the Land, settle it, build, and reach [the achievements that have been accomplished]. However, this nationalism is not as strong in our present times. The Knesset (Israeli parliament) is not the same assembly of Israel that it once was. It includes non-Jews who live in the Land, which is natural according to the accepted rules of states. However, is this going to be the "face of the State"? Doesn’t this weaken Jewish nationalism, and that which makes the nation unique and bound up in destiny?
The author strengthens our belief in the eternity of Israel. Our becoming a nation was not like the process of other nations, whose image was formed by its land, which developed its national characteristics. Indeed, the concept of democracy requires investigation, as efforts are required to preserve our recognition of uniqueness. Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch stressed the point that distinguishes between the emergence of Israel and that of other nations.
However, this is the end of the comparison. The need for the existence of an independent nation does not fit with this outlook. Rav Hirsch writes that in practice, the purpose of the nation is more profound in the Diaspora than in its own Land. We find some statements of this type in our days as well. In contrast, our author maintains the approach that the nation’s social and political structure must be subservient to the laws of the Torah, which is impossible in any place other than our own land and state.
The author also analyzes those who look at nationalism from the perspective of secular nationalism. [A famous example] is Ben Gurion, who identified that which is unique in the Jewish People as contained in the prophets’ focus on moral behavior. The author stresses the fact that these people do not find these prophecies to be binding on them, [as they generally do not view the Torah as obligating them to act according to it]. These people are apt to ask themselves – why do we need a state and all of its problems, as well as the very need to guard the essence of these moral imperatives?
The connection to the Land, even when it exists, morphs into an outlook that nullifies the significance of a connection to the Jews of the world. It also encourages a feeling of connection and closeness with those who live in the Land, irrespective of their background and nationality. This can create a new nation that resembles the nations that were "conceived and born" from the conditions that existed in the place they found themselves.
The outlook that is connected to historical development proves the correctness of the Torah philosophy. It strengthens the mutual connections, the feeling of obligation to the past, and the possibility and even the emotional strength to plan the future according to the framework of the past. It is based on the recognition that it is critical to connect the individual to the welfare of the broader national community and, indeed, the interests of the international community.
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
19 - Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part I
20 - Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part II
21 - Moreshet Shaul: Mini-Temple
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Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Fortunate is the King Who Is Thus Praised in His House
Based on Aroch Siach, Yamim Noraim p. 87
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Members of the Nation Who Are in The Fields
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 95 (from 1942)
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
