Why We Support the State of Israel Despite Its Spiritual Shortcomings

Some might not understand why we, as Sanhedrin judges and advisors, support the current State of Israel.

Especially to those who follow our news reports, attend our conferences, and watch our hundreds of Torah videos online, it’s clear that the present Israeli government is far from perfect.

One of the key proofs is that we still have not fulfilled the three foundational commandments outlined in the Torah—commandments that the Rambam (Maimonides) lists as essential upon entering the Land of Israel:

1. To establish a king

2. To eradicate Amalek (the enemies of the Jewish people)

3. To build the Holy Temple in Jerusalem

All of these begin with the proper establishment of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Torah court.

So, if the State of Israel is behind in these critical commandments, why would we say that it is still the best hope for all the people in the region?

The Holiness of the Jewish Body

Although the Zionist movement has not yet addressed the spiritual needs—the needs of the soul—of the Jewish people and the world, it has clearly protected the sanctity and holiness of the Jewish body.

This was most evident after the Holocaust. The founder of political Zionism, Theodor Herzl, recognized that even a temporary refuge like Uganda would be preferable to the horrors of Auschwitz and the Nazi plans to wipe out the Jewish people.

That being said, to truly reach the full spiritual and physical potential of the Jewish people, this could only happen in the Land of Israel—the land of our forefathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Decision for the Holy Land

Eventually, by unanimous popular vote in the Zionist Congress, it was decided to set our eyes and hearts on the Holy Land of Israel as the eternal homeland for the Children of Israel.

Despite Divisions, There Is Unity

Yes, there remain small remnants of tension between religious and secular Jews. But overall, there is:

Unity

Understanding

Education

Growth

Harmony

Love

Acceptance

Coexistence

And a unified defense of the Holy Land

There is a shared effort to protect and sustain a balanced, harmonized reality for all who dwell in the land.

Our Hope and Prayer

We hope and pray that the Children of Israel—and the nations of the world—continue to strengthen in Torah learning and the fulfillment of mitzvot.

We pray they delve into the secrets of the Torah, study the Tanya, learn the Rambam’s halachot (laws), understand the Torah through Rashi’s commentary, and pray as King David taught us—with heartfelt Psalms and sincere devotion.