A towering new work reveals Torah’s true Zion-centered vision, vanquishing exile’s limitations and igniting national destiny.
Yisrael Medad, Research Fellow at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center and one of today’s most prolific Jewish writers, offers rare praise for a work he calls nothing short of historic: “The Torat Eretz Yisrael Anthology,” edited by Rabbi David Samson and Tzvi Fishman. This 700-page masterpiece gathers a millennium of teachings from the greatest luminaries of Jewish thought — from Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi and the Maharal, to Rav Avraham Yitzhak HaKohen Kook, Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook, Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, Rabbi Chaim Drukman, and many others.
The editors, who have already produced acclaimed works on Rav Kook, bring together writings that illuminate the essential truth at the core of Judaism: Torah without Eretz Yisrael is incomplete. The anthology demonstrates that the Torah of Exile — fragmented, diminished, survival-oriented — must be replaced in our generation with the Torah of Redemption, the radiant Torah of Zion.
A Torah that restores the nation — not just the individual
Far more than a historical or philosophical compilation, the book reveals Torah as the constitutional blueprint of the Jewish Nation, meant to be lived in the Land of Israel and designed to shape a sovereign people. Its subjects range from Emunah, Zionism, Redemption, and Prophecy, to War, Settlement, National T’shuva, Mashiach, and the Beit HaMikdash — all illuminated from the vantage point of Sinai, before centuries of exile clouded understanding.
Rav Kook taught — and the anthology proves — that during Israel’s return home, Torah regains its full strength and clarity. Diaspora Judaism, focused on private survival, cannot generate the sweeping national holiness required for Redemption. Only Torat Eretz Yisrael can do that.
A two-stage Redemption: physical revival → spiritual elevation
The writings emphasize that modern Israel represents the early stages of Redemption: national independence first, followed by spiritual ascent. Rav Kook’s vision of the State of Israel slowly transforming into the Kingdom of Hashem — step by step, like dawn rising into day — permeates the anthology.
Medinat Yisrael is shown not as a secular accident of history, but as the Divinely chosen vessel for this transformation. Every struggle, victory, challenge, and miracle is part of the ever-brightening light of Redemption.
Emunah as the engine of national revival
One of the anthology’s great contributions is its elevation of Emunah from simple belief to a profound, structured discipline — a deep understanding of how Hashem reveals Himself through historical processes, including Israel’s return to its land. Rav Kook, Rav Tzvi Yehuda, the Gra, and Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi all insisted that Emunah must be studied rigorously, as one studies Gemara or Halakha.
Rabbi Moshe Bleicher, quoting Rav Kook, explains that true Emunah recognizes Hashem’s Providence in the rebuilding of Israel, in the restoration of sovereignty, and in the unfolding of Redemption even amid difficulties. This Emunah integrates Torah, Kabbalah, Aggadah, and ethics, linking the inner spiritual world with real-world national action.
From theory to action: Aliyah, settlement, national mission
The anthology continuously returns to a central theme: Torat Eretz Yisrael commands action. It demands Aliyah, settlement, nation-building, and partnership with Hashem in completing Redemption. The Torah of Exile leaves Jews isolated in foreign lands, comfortable but disconnected; Torat Eretz Yisrael lifts them into service of the entire Jewish people, restoring the unity of Torah, Land, and Nation.
A transformative lens on Judaism itself
The anthology argues, without apology, that the Judaism of Galut is insufficient for the final phase of Jewish history. Only in Eretz Yisrael can Jews live their full mission as a “Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation,” radiating divine light and moral clarity to humanity.
The vision presented is bold:
Judaism is not merely personal spirituality — it is national destiny.
Torah is not merely a private guide — it is the constitution of Israel’s Redemption.
Medad concludes that this book is a monumental achievement that elevates Jewish understanding, ignites national purpose, and reveals the unbroken thread of Divine Providence guiding Israel from ancient prophecy to modern rebirth.
The editors, he writes, deserve deep congratulations.
