Please
click below to read Part II of thoughts from the S’gan Rosh HaYeshiva, HaRav Aryeh
Hendler, shlit”a on the Spiritual State of the State (translated from
the Hebrew by Rav Reuven Ungar)
[Click here for Part I]
[Click here for Part I]
For other shiurim at Sha’alvim, please click here.
The Spiritual State of The State - Part 2
Rav Aryeh Hendler
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 64 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.
