Israel’s Unprecedented Role in Jewish History

As I sit in Jerusalem, reflecting on the profound significance of modern Israel, I cannot ignore the hesitation among many U.S. Jewish communal leaders to fully embrace the enormity of what is happening today. Despite witnessing open miracles, such as those seen in the recent war with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, these leaders remain cautious, clinging to a framework that prioritizes Diaspora communities over Israel. Uri Pilichowski, in his article “Is This Messianic?” published in the Jerusalem Post on October 13, 2024, acknowledges the unprecedented nature of our current era, but like many others, stops short of fully recognizing Israel’s central role in Jewish life today (Pilichowski, 2024).

Open Miracles in Our Time

The recent war provides undeniable examples of open miracles. The Iron Dome’s near-perfect interception rate, the prevention of mass casualties, and the discovery of terror tunnels before they could be used all point to divine protection. Despite the overwhelming number of rockets fired, civilian casualties were remarkably low. In addition to physical miracles, we are witnessing a spiritual revival — never before has there been so much Torah study in one place, far exceeding the times of the Second Temple.

Yet, Pilichowski’s article reflects a cautious attitude shared by many within Religious Zionist circles. While acknowledging Israel’s achievements, the full embrace of Israel’s role in the messianic process is often deferred, leaving much potential unrecognized.

The Fulfillment of Our Prayers: Living in Israel

Living in Israel today is not merely a political or historical occurrence; it is the very fulfillment of the prayers of countless generations. For young people, in particular, the opportunity to live in Israel — to experience the unique blend of spirituality, national pride, and a vibrant modern culture — can be the experience of a lifetime. Whether walking through the streets of Jerusalem, studying Torah in the world’s most significant centers of Jewish learning, or participating in Israel’s thriving high-tech industry, there is something profoundly fulfilling about making Israel your home.

However, there is a glaring gap in the opportunities provided by Jewish universities and high schools. Far too few of these institutions offer students the chance to spend extended periods in Israel as part of their formal education. The lack of long-term Israel experiences as part of structured curricula is a missed opportunity. Jewish educational institutions should be actively creating programs that integrate extended internships, gap years, or study programs in fields like technology, medicine, agriculture, or Jewish learning. These experiences would not only be personally enriching but would deepen students’ connection to the land and people of Israel, preparing them for a potential life in the Jewish state.

The Implications of Denial

The reluctance to fully embrace Israel’s central role has far-reaching consequences:

1. Lack of Aliyah or Consideration of It: This cautious mindset discourages Jews in the Diaspora from even considering aliyah. Instead of fostering a natural desire to return to the Jewish homeland, many leaders continue to focus on the preservation of Diaspora communities at the expense of recognizing the opportunities in Israel.
2. Over-Connection with the Diaspora: As antisemitism and outright violence rise in the U.S. and Europe, many Jews remain overly connected to their Diaspora communities, instead of seeking deeper ties to Israel, which is more relevant now than ever.
3. Lack of Secular Education, Hebrew Knowledge, and Israel Experiences: Jewish communities abroad often fail to emphasize the importance of learning Hebrew or gaining secular knowledge that would prepare young people to thrive in Israel. Moreover, the lack of extended programs within Jewish universities and high schools deprives students of immersive Israel experiences, which are crucial in fostering a deeper connection to the land and people.

Upton Sinclair’s Insight

This hesitancy to fully embrace Israel may be explained by Upton Sinclair’s famous quote: “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it” (Oakland Tribune, 1934, December 11). Many U.S. Jewish leaders have built their livelihoods around strong Diaspora communities. Encouraging aliyah, or shifting the focus toward Israel, could undermine the very institutions they have invested their careers in. This vested interest leads to a reluctance to fully recognize Israel’s centrality and its implications for Jewish life.

Why Now is Different

The combination of open miracles, Israel’s unprecedented growth, and the flourishing of Torah study makes this era unlike any other. The caution of the past is no longer warranted. Pilichowski, in his Jerusalem Post article, appreciates Israel’s achievements but stops short of fully embracing what is unfolding before our eyes. The miracles are here — we are living them daily.

Jewish leaders need to stop waiting for the future to signal the messianic process and recognize that the extraordinary is already happening. It is time to embrace Israel as the center of Jewish life and to encourage Jews, particularly young people, to make aliyah, to live the experience of a lifetime, or to spend extended time in Israel through educational programs, internships, and structured experiences in their fields of interest. Now is the time for Jewish universities and high schools to create and promote such opportunities for their students, ensuring that the next generation experiences and contributes to the unfolding chapter of Jewish history in Israel.

References:

Pilichowski, U. (2024, October 13). Is This Messianic? Jerusalem Post. Retrieved from www.jpost.com

Sinclair, U. (1934, December 11). I, Candidate for Governor and How I Got Licked. Oakland Tribune, p. 19, col. 3.