Post Tisha B'av discussion

Mrs Adler's questions

#1

So to apply this to the American political system - the danger of identifying as a 'Democrat' or a 'Republican' is that you might fall prey to the belief that any man-made system has all the answers, forgetting the limits of human control, and forgetting G-d and thus potentially forfeiting the opportunity to really find the correct path by applying true wisdom principles.  That would be true of any 'knee-jerk' emotional reaction to a political problem.

 

#2

 

But even so - could one by accident be following the 'better' of existing paths, even though the process of getting there is not ideal?  Perhaps you follow a political ideoligy because that is what most Jews do, or it is what your parents did.  Is it not still possible that it might be the more sensible path even though you have not adopted it due to true examination of its principles.  

 

#3

 

And where does patriotism fit into this?  Surely there is a role for that somewhere.  America is not perfect because it is the product of human endeavor - but it is so far superior to so many places.  What is the place for hakorat hatov here?  

 

#4

 

I also have a lot of questions as to how we should approach Eretz Yisrael as American Jews.  So many Jews assume that there is an inherent kedushah to the land which I assume might be part of the more dangerous aspect of religious Zionism.  What do you think about that?

 

My Response

 

#1 

 

 Yes, the idea of Geula includes having a healthy skepticism toward all nationalism. Healthy skepticism does not mean that we deny the unique accomplishments of the USA however. The founding principles of our country are a historic accomplishment and should be treasured as such. We should moderate our appreciation however, with an expectation that the USA, like any human system, will still have limitations Geula via the Torah is the ultimate solution to.

A very important basis of growth that Ralbag points to in Kohelet is opening one's mind to other approaches. Republican's would do well to seek out the weakness in their approach that democrats are stronger in. The reverse is certainly true as well. This is the hallmark of the true leader, finding the common ground that enriches all approaches and removes their extreme limiting character.

 

#2 

 

There are certainly better and worse non Jewish approaches, as there are better and worse Jewish ones. One may indeed fall on better and worse approaches by accident. The son of Avraham, Yitzchak, was in a vastly better situation than any of the sons of Haman. To truly grow however, one must use free choice in moving beyond ones first education, whatever the source of that education might have been, even Yitzchak and Avraham Avinu.

#3

 

 The better the principles of the country one is in, the more one should appreciate that country. One has a duty to work together with fellow citizens to bring out the best in our country in all matters that relate to our shared wellbeing. In matters of Religion however, we strongly endorse the separation of church and state and are against Missionary activity of any kind, Jewish or non Jewish.

#4

If we properly define Kedusha, there is no problem with saying their is an intrinsic Kedusha to Israel. The problem arises when we view Kedusha as a mystical force, rather than a category of existing things. Kedusha refers to an entity that is distinct from others in some important way. We say Kiddush on Shabbos to distinguish its unique character as a time. Israel is unique as the designated place of redemption where the principles of Torah will ultimately be expressed in a truly free human civilization.