The Divrei Torah in this section have been translated by Rav Reuven Ungar, Director of Alumni Affairs
The Spiritual State of The State (of Israel )- Part 2
By: Rav Aryeh Hendler
Sgan Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Aryeh Hendler, engages contemporary issues. Note: A 12th grade student at a prestigious ulpana (yeshiva high school for women) asked the following question of Rav Hendler. As we study the sin of the spies, let us train ourselves to appreciate the Land of Israel , and what transpires in our Home .
Summary of Part 1: Specific topics such as settling The Land of Israel, service in the IDF and education were discussed. As a whole, the spiritual level of the community has improved in the last few decades.
Are we living in the era of the beginning of the redemption? The answer is in the affirmative, for the Jewish People has been gathered in the Land of Israel , the Land produces abundant fruit and there is more Torah currently being st udi ed than anytime in the past 2000 years. It is impossible to erase such facts. One can not remain oblivious to what has transpired to the Jewish People in the course of the last 57 years, subsequent to the founding of the State of Israel. One must merely open the eyes and look!
We have to realize that we are in the midst of a process. This process proceeds in accordance with the will of Hashem; even if at times we would appreciate the opportunity to advise Him of taking a different course.
In this process we encounter what Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook termed "the order of clarifications" (sidrei bayrurim). It was apparent that once our community would increase and become more influential the moment of truth would arrive: to whom does the State belong to? It should be noted that the issues related to in your letter (Education, IDF, settling the land) touch upon the most sensitive foundations of the state.
The moment of decision has arrived. Someone has to ask the penetrating questions. We must leave the state of a draw; it is time to commence something on a deeper level. The first stage has elapsed; the second stage of the process of redemption must focus upon the vital issues of the Jewish People upon the Land of Israel .
Those who have sufficient belief in the justice of their cause will emerge victorious. One must possess the ability to convince the general public of the truth. The issue of the Land of Israel relates to the inherent relationship between the Jewish People and the Land of Israel . The controversy of female soldiers in the IDF touches upon the image of a Jewish Army in the Holy Land . It is time to clarify these issues- for ourselves and for the entire nation.
Unfortunately, these clarifications claim a high price and reveal deep divisions in Israeli society. There is no way out; these issues must be addressed.
We must be strong. It is time to believe that this child- the State of Israel- can attain a state of holiness. A child upon whom we can recite Hallel. With the power of our faith we have the potential to accomplish this goal
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