Rectifying The State Of Israel

The ancient teachings of Jewish mysticism--Kabbalah--speak of the urgent need to rectify the world, instructing us how to mend the tattered fabric of our lives, as individuals and as active contributors to humanity's destiny. Today, the dream of Jewish security and cultural revival in Israel seems to be threatened as never before. After nearly two thousand years of exile, the Zionist dream--return to their homeland by the Jewish people--is fraught with challenge. Rabbi Ginsburgh analyzes the current crisis from a Kabbalistic perspective, and offers solutions that are both practical and in keeping with a spiritual approach to the problem. In this book, he outlines a practical program for healing the ills of the State of Israel in its approach to reestablishing a homeland. The proposals are at once profound and down-to-earth, and permeated by an optimism and love for the Jewish people and all humanity. Includes glossary, footnotes, and index.

This volume contains essays dealing with complex relationships between Judaism and Christianity, taking a bold step, assuming that no historical period can be excluded from the interactive process between Judaism and Christianity, conscious or unconscious, as either rejection or appropriation

"Published by the University of Nebraska Press as a Jewish Publication Society book."

The phrase, "A Jewish state in the Land of Israel" plucks at the deepest heartstrings of every yearning Jew. For generations, since the destruction of the Temple and the exile to the diaspora, we have believed and hoped, prayed and dreamed about the ingathering of the exiles and our return to living in our Land standing tall, asking God to "break the yoke of the nations from over our necks and lead us to our land standing tall." The ultimate goal of our yearning is the complete redemption, the arrival of Mashiach and the construction of the Temple. There is no doubt that a Jewish state is an essential and central component of the grand picture of the redemption of the Jewish People. Yet, it is clear that the state that was established on 5th Iyar 5708 (1948), as it stands today, is still a far cry from that dreamlike vision that has warmed our hearts for almost two thousand years. It is not difficult to understand why many Torah and mitzvah observant Jews are reluctant to identify themselves with the state and its symbols. Attesting to this problem are the festivities of Yom Ha'atzmaut, around which rages a long and intense controversy within the religious community in Israel. One might suppose that the differences of opinions will not end in the near future. However, we can and must arise above them and join together when it comes to the main issue, which is: what type of state do we want and what are we doing to achieve it? This is a constructive and positive activity that not only relates to what has been and what currently exists, but mainly turns its face to the future with the goal of rectifying and healing reality.

Using primary and secondary sources, background information about the events surrounding the establishment of Israel are presented.

Originally published in 1896 as Der Judenstaat, The Jewish State has taken its place among the likes of The Communist Manifesto and Common Sense as polemic writings which have changed modern history. Theodor Herzl’s advocacy for a separate, independent Jewish state as a remedy for centuries of hostility and persecution served as the basis for modern Zionism. And though his vision would not be realized in his lifetime, it did set the course for the creation of the Israel we know today. This edition, based on the original translation to English by Sylvie D’Avigdor, includes a foreword by Alan Dershowitz, who is among Israel’s most prominent and most vocal scholars defenders. The Harvard law professor, who has been calledIsrael’s lead lawyer in the court of public opinion, discusses The Jewish State’s place in history and its impact today.

Retired Israeli ambassador Moshe Leshem explains why it is that the modern State of Israel seems to be fulfilling Balaam's ancient prophecy--that it shall stand alone among nations.