A new Torah study sheet provides English speakers with a fresh perspective that combines love for the Zionist state with Biblical explanations.

Shmuel Sokol, a native of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Manhattan in New York City, came up with the idea of the full-color Torat Yisrael shortly after he made aliyah in 2005 and noticed that almost all of the Torah study sheets distributed in synagogues around the country are in Hebrew.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

 

The few English-language Torah sheets generally deal only with the weekly Torah reading and halachic issues. "Torah applies equally to national life, such as whether women should be allowed to a Knesset Member," Sokol explained. He noted that the Rambam and Tosfot are the basis for different opinions on the issue.

 

"Personal halachic issues are very important, but national issues and the place of an individual as part of the nation also should be discussed," according to Sokol, who has turned the project into a full-time operation since he finished his army duty.

 

Another unique feature of the Torat Yisrael project, which is available online, is its blog, which is updated between the printed issues, which for the time being are distributed once every two weeks. The current blog deals with the Peace House crisis in Hevron and displays articles that also appear in the current sheet, including one by Temple Institute Rabbi Chaim Richman on the month of MarCheshvan.

 

Sokol’s roots in modern Israel reach back four generations, when his great grandfather lived in the country before "yeridah'" (literally "going down spiritually"). Before moving on his own to Israel, he consulted with his YeshivaUniversity rabbi, who advised him to enter the army after aliyah.

 

He enlisted within several weeks and now is married to another relatively new immigrant, from France, and they have two children.