The Jewish People in Israel are living in the 21st century and continuing to tread in a path that is more than 3500 years old. We draw our faith and strength from the words of the G-d of Israel commanding our Father, Abraham, to go on to the Land of Israel. This Divine decree gave Abraham the strength and courage to venture forward toward his blessed destiny. On this path there are many unknown factors, but the goal of reaching the Land of Israel is clear, as is the destiny of creating a great nation that will bring a Divine Blessing to all peoples of the world.
In our generation the Jewish People have again hearkened to the same command of G-d being echoed to all corners of the Earth, calling upon the Jewish People to come back home to the Land of Israel. In this way the astounding phenomenon of the ingathering of the exiles as promised by our prophets is well underway. The Divine Process of Jewish redemption as expressed by the prophet Ezekiel, has become a reality. "Thus said the L-rd G-d: In the day that I shall have purified you from all your sins I will resettle the cities and will rebuild the ruins." (Ezekiel 36:33) The process of purification includes bringing Jewish life back to the ancient towns and cities as well as rebuilding the ruins of Eretz Yisrael.
This phenomenon may seem strange to many people of the modern world and even unacceptable to others. Some may ask, How can a nation continue in a path that is more than three thousand years old, bringing an ancient land back to life, revitalizing an ancient tradition and claim to be heir to a blessing for all of Mankind? I can understand how nations that have only been around for hundreds of years, cannot fathom this historical, Divine revelation taking its firm position before the nations of the world. The prophesies and guidelines of our Bible are not ancient history or archeology for Jews of faith. These prophesies are living realities which determine and secure the life of our people and our homeland. These ancient roots continue to nourish the energies of Jewish life.
Thousands of Jews will gather in Hebron, the City of Abraham, this coming Shabbat, to hear the resounding words of the Bible describing the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah by our father, Abraham. This is a living expression of the vitality of continuous Jewish life, from Abraham to this very day, in our ancient homeland. This process of redemption has brought Jewish life back to all of Judea and Samaria. This reality has been a driving force in rebuilding the ruins of Jerusalem and Hebron, Shiloh and Bet El, Elon Moreh and Kedumim. This power of life will not leave any hill barren in Eretz Yisrael.
All people who are imbued with any spark of faith in the words of the Bible, and are realistic and practical, should be overwhelmed and elevated by this revelation of fulfillment of Biblical destiny. There is no power in the world, nor any reign of terror, that can prevent this process of redemption from reaching its Divine completion. All those who recognize and support this process will certainly merit the privilege of having the Blessing of G-d bestowed upon them. ". . . And in thee shall all families of the Earth be blessed." ( Genesis, 12:3)
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Rabbi Eliezer Waldman is Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivat Kiryat Arba . He will be visiting the United States from November 7th until November 25th. To arrange a visit with your community or shul, please contact Mr. Jeff Reznik at 917-776-6828. Or email Yeshivatkiryat4@aol.com.
In our generation the Jewish People have again hearkened to the same command of G-d being echoed to all corners of the Earth, calling upon the Jewish People to come back home to the Land of Israel. In this way the astounding phenomenon of the ingathering of the exiles as promised by our prophets is well underway. The Divine Process of Jewish redemption as expressed by the prophet Ezekiel, has become a reality. "Thus said the L-rd G-d: In the day that I shall have purified you from all your sins I will resettle the cities and will rebuild the ruins." (Ezekiel 36:33) The process of purification includes bringing Jewish life back to the ancient towns and cities as well as rebuilding the ruins of Eretz Yisrael.
This phenomenon may seem strange to many people of the modern world and even unacceptable to others. Some may ask, How can a nation continue in a path that is more than three thousand years old, bringing an ancient land back to life, revitalizing an ancient tradition and claim to be heir to a blessing for all of Mankind? I can understand how nations that have only been around for hundreds of years, cannot fathom this historical, Divine revelation taking its firm position before the nations of the world. The prophesies and guidelines of our Bible are not ancient history or archeology for Jews of faith. These prophesies are living realities which determine and secure the life of our people and our homeland. These ancient roots continue to nourish the energies of Jewish life.
Thousands of Jews will gather in Hebron, the City of Abraham, this coming Shabbat, to hear the resounding words of the Bible describing the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah by our father, Abraham. This is a living expression of the vitality of continuous Jewish life, from Abraham to this very day, in our ancient homeland. This process of redemption has brought Jewish life back to all of Judea and Samaria. This reality has been a driving force in rebuilding the ruins of Jerusalem and Hebron, Shiloh and Bet El, Elon Moreh and Kedumim. This power of life will not leave any hill barren in Eretz Yisrael.
All people who are imbued with any spark of faith in the words of the Bible, and are realistic and practical, should be overwhelmed and elevated by this revelation of fulfillment of Biblical destiny. There is no power in the world, nor any reign of terror, that can prevent this process of redemption from reaching its Divine completion. All those who recognize and support this process will certainly merit the privilege of having the Blessing of G-d bestowed upon them. ". . . And in thee shall all families of the Earth be blessed." ( Genesis, 12:3)
***********************************************************
Rabbi Eliezer Waldman is Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivat Kiryat Arba . He will be visiting the United States from November 7th until November 25th. To arrange a visit with your community or shul, please contact Mr. Jeff Reznik at 917-776-6828. Or email Yeshivatkiryat4@aol.com.