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Yom Iyun on Religious Zionism
Last week the students experienced a special Yom Iyun on Religious Zionism. Monday morning began with a limud b’chavruta in the Beit Midrash. We all learned excerpts from Rav Mirsky’s essay entitled Chibat Ha’aretz, in which he recalls the condition upon which we inherited Eretz Yisrael (brit milah) and the condition upon which we retain the rights to dwell in the land (shmirat haMitzvot). The essay included stories of ChaZaL’s display of love for Eretz Yisrael. After an hour of learning we were treated to a presentation by a 30-year old commander of a Golani brigade. He showed us bird’s-eye photos of areas in the Gaza strip and described operations he led just last year in Operation Cast Lead. We were all inspired when he explained his feelings of religious obligation to serve in the army and protect Israel. After a short break, we participated in two half-hour shiurim, led by Vicky and Malka, on religious Zionism as defined by Rav Kook and Rav Soloveitchik (Vicky) and our connection to this land as seen through our earliest sources in Tanach (Malka). The day contained an experiential component, as well, with a trip to the Palmach museum where we learned about the elite striking force of the Hagana – the underground military organization of the Jewish community, its national institutions and the Zionist Movement prior to the establishment of the State of Israel.