Israel is more than a land—it is a question, a promise, and a struggle. It stands at the crossroads of history and destiny, where ancient longing meets modern reality. It is the reawakening of a people to its land, language, and responsibility. Yet this return is fraught with moral and spiritual challenges, calling for courage, humility, and an ongoing search for justice.
By E.S.
Several recent events—the Olympic Games and the proposal to work on the railway line construction on Shabbat—are excellent opportunities to start a conversation on the role of halacha in the Jewish State. The question is: what form should the conversation take? It should not, I believe, primarily take the form of a formal halachic argument.
Some Afterthoughts on Tish’ah be-Av
I must confess that this year’s Tish’ah be-Av was the first time in 54 years (since I was 16) that I did not go to synagogue to hear Eichah (the reading from the Scroll of Lamentations) and recite kinot (elegies written by famous sages throughout the centuries regarding the destruction of both Temples and the many later tragedies that befell the Jewish people).
The think tank discusses whether the founding of the State of Israel has changed how we approach Halacha and its mode of development, as well as what kind of changes can be made to the halachic system.
In Contemporary Issues and Israel
The Jews are a nuisance. They break the rules of history, survive against all odds, and contribute disproportionately to the world. No wonder they are so difficult to tolerate. This essay offers a bold and provocative reflection on why anti-Semitism persists—and what it reveals.
In Contemporary Issues, Halacha and Israel
I was not planning to write about this, because by now the issue has sparked so much debate of such low quality that it has embarrassed Judaism, the Jewish people and the Kotel itself.
A tongue-in-cheek prophecy
In Israel
We will soon have to expand our borders at the request of millions of Europeans, Americans and possibly many others who will wish to come on Aliyah.
History is not made up of social, political, or economic factors alone, but also of spiritual forces that have far-reaching moral implications. The Torah and Jewish tradition may help us achieve deeper insight.
In Israel
As usual, residents of the State of Israel are once again threatened by political unrest in the Middle East, which is escalating day by day...Within Israel as well, strife and discord rock the country...One wonders why the Jews, like no other people, throughout thousands of years of their history, were never able to develop into a stable, secure nation...
In Israel
Throughout the centuries, historians, philosophers and anthropologists have struggled with the notion called Israel more than with nearly any other topic. While attempting to place Israel within the confines of conventional history, they experienced constant academic and philosophical frustration. Any definitions they suggested eventually broke down due to serious inconsistencies. Was Israel a nation, a […]
In Contemporary Issues and Israel
Thank God, Gilad Shalit is finally home. He has transformed Israel into a different country: more holy and united, but also more pained. Pained for those who lost their loved ones in many wars and terrorist attacks and whose murderers have now been freed in a deal to return Gilad to his parents. For more […]
Thoughts on Yom HaAzmaut, 2008
In Israel and Yom Ha’atzmaut
What is at the core of the current crisis of leadership in Israel is a fundamental misreading of the nature and destiny of the Jewish people and the total lack of Jewish pride among our leaders.
Part 2 of a series on Chareidi challenges to the State of Israel
In Contemporary Issues and Israel
Integration of the Chareidim into the State of Israel poses unique challenges. Navigating these challenges successfully will necessitate major changes in Chareidi education and lifestyle.