Readings on Torat Eretz Yisrael

1. Rabbi Menachem Leibtag's work and genius

How many of us can say we have read the entire Tanach (Hebrew Bible)? How many?!A Rabbi of mine in Israel used to say after giving a shiur (lesson) on the Torah, "Hey, don't complain to me that this was a Zionist lesson, God's a Zionist, and the Tanach is the greatest work of Zionist propaganda ever written." It may seem cute, but it is also hitting at a truth. The Tanach is the heart and soul of our claim to Israel, and our desire and yearning for her. And yet most of us have not even read the entire Tanach! A good start to fixing that problem is found at this site. Rabbi Menachem Leibtag presents one magnificent lesson after another on the Chumash and on Navi (the Prophets). Almost all of his lessons have modern day applications and Zionist themes to them, but of course, this should come as no surprise, it is after all, the nature of the material he is working with.

2. Listen World Listen Jew by Rabbi Meir Kahane, The Institute of the Jewish Idea

This was one of the most influential books on me as a young Zionist. I found it in the back of my Shul, and read it before I was even bar mitzvah. I picked it up, sat down, and didn't get up until I had finished reading it. It is a breath taking account of Israel, and what she means to us, the Jewish People. For those who have issue to take with its author, I encourage you in the strongest possible language to read this book before passing any judgement. This book captures the Jewish obsession with Israel and you absolutely must read it. "I am home in Jerusalem" says Rav Kahane, "and inside sleep my children who have returned with me…'Our feet are standing within thy gates O Jerusalem,' and they will never leave. This is Zionism, and the United Gentiles call it "Racist" and debate how to take my city away from me. Foolish world; sooner will the sun fail to rise tomorrow. The Jews have come home to their Zion…" Read it!

Click here for more books by or about Rabbi Meir Kahane.

3. The Rav Speaks-Five Addresses by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveichik

I am very happy to report that this amazing piece of Torah by Rabbi Joseph Soloveichik is now being published again. It had been almost impossible to find a copy of this book for the last ten years or so. This is an incredible book, which shows the deep and profound relationship that the Rav had with Israel. What is perhaps most exciting, is that this book gives a glimpse into the systematic picture that the Rav had of Torah, and Eretz Yisrael, and Am Yisrael. The Rav, 'founder' of modern orthodoxy, and one of the great giants of Torah here lays out some of his thoughts and feelings for our Homeland. As stated by David Telsner of the Tal Orot Institute, "This exposition by the Rav contributes to the elucidation of the attitude of Torah-Judaism to the new realities in Jewish History." (Fancy words for what I already said:)

4. Eim HaBanim Semeichah on ERETZ YISRAEL, REDEPMTION, AND UNITY by HaRav Yisachar Shlomo Teichtal

This book is beyond words, but I will nonetheless attempt to describe it, and explain why you must read this book. It was written by Rav Teichtal during the Holocaust. Rav Teichtal was an ardent anti-Zionist, and actively campaigned against the creation of a Jewish State. But while undergoing the horrors of the Holocaust, he had a change of heart, and mind, and one of the results of that, was this work. This book is a poetic and theological masterpiece, written at the height of the attempt by the World to annihilate the Jewish People. It will move you, it will bring tears to your eyes, it will uplift you, and it will make you dream. This book is an attempt to understand the Holocaust from a Jewish reference point, and perhaps more importantly, and certainly equally important, to offer a formula for the restoration of the Jewish People in Eretz Yisrael, based on the foundation of our People, Torah.

5. To Dwell in the Palace, Perspectives on Eretz Yisroel edited by Tzvia Ehrlich-Klein

This book is a collection of essays by various Jews, mostly American's, who have made aliyah. It reflects a range of thoughts and feelings, all of them concerning Eretz Yisrael, Am Yisrael, and Torat Yisrael. Some of the readings are not so great, but others leave you wishing you were in a cab on the way to the airport. It is worth the read, a very inspirational book. Also, if you are feeling down about your peers not sharing your love for Eretz Yisrael, this book can be a real pick up, it lets you know there are lots of other Jews who feel the same way you do, the difference is, they have made the dream come true. Now it is our turn.

6. Eretz Yisrael- Lights on Orot- The Teachings of HaRav Avraham Yitzhak HaCohen Kook
Commentary by Rabbi David Samson and Tzvi Fishman

Meet the second Rabbi of our times to be known as the Rav (the teacher). The difference, and a major one at that, is that this Rav, was the Rav of Eretz Yisrael, not America. And it is therefore appropriate that one of his most famous works, Orot, and the commentary on it in this book, are almost exclusively dedicated to Eretz Yisrael. I read this book while in Israel for my first extended stay, and it helped me to see Israel through entirely different, entirely Jewish, eyes. This book helps one hear the hearbeat that is unique to Eretz Yisrael, and within that, to hear the heartbeat that is unique to Jerusalem. A must read for anyone who wants to appreciate the depth of the connection between the State of Israel today and our Torah. This book, along with the rest of Rav Kook's book's that have been translated and commented on in English are available at the site listed at number 7 which I implore you all to check out, read, and purchase.

7. Rabbi Kook Books

"Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak HaCohen Kook was probably the foremost Torah scholar, Jewish philosopher, and mystic of our age. Today, with the recreation of the Jewish nation in Israel, the writings of Rabbi Kook are vital to an enlightened understanding of the Jewish People and Judaism. Rabbi Kook calls upon us to raise ourselves up to a higher vision and to see the tremendous events of our time in the light of the secrets of the Torah.

Now, for the wide English-reading public, the commentaries by Rabbi David Samson and Tzvi Fishman unlock the great treasures contained in Rabbi Kook's most penetrating and esoteric teachings."
Click here for Rabbi Kook Books