Despite crises and rising enemies, Israel’s light strengthens, proving our Redemption unfolds exactly as foretold.
HaRav Shlomo Aviner reminds Israelis of what many have forgotten: the very first teaching of the Jerusalem Talmud about how Redemption begins slowly, then accelerates—like the sunrise over the Arbel Valley.
The Talmud recounts that Rabbi Chiya HaGadol and Rabbi Shimon ben Chalafta saw the dawn breaking and declared:
“Such is Israel’s Redemption — gradual at first, then ever faster.”
(Berachot, Jerusalem Talmud)
Rav Aviner explains that this metaphor perfectly captures the modern State of Israel. As someone who lived for years overlooking the Galilee and who still travels there frequently, he says that if Rabbi Chiya could witness today’s vibrant communities, flourishing agriculture, blooming cities, and renewed Jewish strength, he would be overwhelmed with pride at the unfolding Redemption.
Light and darkness intermingle — but the light always wins
Israel’s redemption is not a sudden miracle. Like dawn, it begins faintly, mixed with clouds and shadows. Challenges, crises, wars, terror campaigns, internal disputes, political upheavals — these do not contradict Redemption; they prove we are in its early stages.
Why didn’t HaShem simply bring Redemption instantly?
Rav Aviner explains:
Because HaShem desires that we be partners — human beings with flaws, struggling upward through effort, responsibility, and courage. The process is meant to refine us as a nation.
Thus, when we see setbacks — even severe ones, even moments of painful darkness orchestrated by Israel’s enemies — we must not think Redemption is stalled. These moments were foreseen. They are inherent parts of the divine plan.
Historical examples: Redemption always comes with turbulence
Rav Aviner reminds us:
- The Purim miracle began positively — then immediately descended into a decree of extermination.
- When Moshe returned to redeem Israel, the initial reaction was disaster — Pharaoh increased the suffering.
- The commentaries on Sefer Charedim note that even within “increasing light,” moments of “deep darkness” can appear.
This is the pattern:
Light → setback → greater light.
Every crisis precedes a breakthrough.
Israel today: far from finished, yet unmistakably advancing
Rav Aviner quotes Rav Kook, who taught that the Zionist movement — with all its internal contradictions — was still a “small light from the light of the Messiah.”
Compared to the crushing darkness of exile, it is a colossal light.
We are not waiting for some other country.
We are not waiting for a different generation.
This Israel — with its strength, its struggles, its victories against terror, its return to the Land — is absolutely the beginning of Redemption.
Even with the challenges posed by Arab hostility, global slander, violent terror groups, and ideological enemies, the nation continues to flourish. The light continues to rise.
HaRav Aviner’s message is clear:
Yes — this is the country we prayed for.
Not yet perfect. Not yet full day.
But more illuminated, more redeemed, and more miraculous with every passing year.
