Rabbi Kook's Century-Old Blessing for Settlers Finds New Life in Judea and Samaria
A letter of blessing written by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook a century ago to a religious-nationalist shepherds' association named 'Moshe' is gaining renewed significance today. The association, founded in the early 1920s, aimed to strengthen Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel by organizing sheep herding, complementing traditional agricultural settlement. The letter, published in full for the first time in the journal 'HaMa'ayan,' echoes current developments where numerous farms and outposts are rapidly emerging across Judea, Samaria, the Galilee, and the Negev.
Rabbi Kook, then the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and Mandatory Palestine, foresaw the importance of both agricultural settlements ('ikkarim') and nomadic herding ('ro'im nose'im ba'eder') in settling the land. He expressed his hope that the 'Moshe' association would succeed in reviving the ancient practice of Jewish shepherding, drawing a parallel to the biblical figure of Moses as an ideal shepherd. The association's goal was to move young people from urban life to the open lands of Mandatory Palestine, asserting Jewish presence and potentially acquiring land.
Despite its initial aspirations, the 'Moshe' association disbanded after only a few years due to various difficulties, leaving little lasting impact at the time. However, the article argues that Rabbi Kook's words are more relevant than ever, as the current wave of farms and outposts in Judea and Samaria, often established in areas previously considered 'off-limits,' are fundamentally altering the demographic, security, and settlement balance.
These contemporary settlements, described as 'popping up like mushrooms after the rain,' are credited with changing perceptions among Israeli leadership and military officials. The article concludes by praising the individuals involved in these modern settlements for their dedication to settling the Land of Israel and living lives of purity and simplicity, fulfilling Rabbi Kook's vision.
