Rabbi Urges Return to Faith's Foundations Amidst National Uncertainty

As Israel observes its memorial days for the War of Independence and faces critical elections, a call is being made to reconnect with the nation's foundational principles. Rabbi Eliezer Chaim suggests that in times of uncertainty about the future, the Jewish people should return to the basics of Torah and faith in their righteous path to guide their way forward.

The current period is marked by remembrance of the War of Independence, blending the painful memory of the October 7th disaster with the remarkable bravery and responsibility displayed since. The article highlights the thousands who took responsibility, risking and sometimes losing their lives to save others, alongside the immense dedication of soldiers, security forces, and their families. This remembrance connects the past to the future, bridging the gap between the terrible failures of October 7th and the unprecedented achievements in the three years of war.

Simultaneously, the nation stands at a crossroads with crucial elections that will shape its future. The article stresses the importance of making wise choices, avoiding political spin, and actively participating by voting. It also addresses the recent controversy surrounding the "Nezar" (N.Z.A.) film and its accompanying antisemitic collateral damage, noting that internal criticism is undermining the justification for the war.

To navigate these challenges, the Rabbi proposes returning to "Bereshit" (Genesis), the Torah, and fundamental truths. Drawing an analogy from IDF navigation training, he explains that when lost, one must return to the last known point to recalculate the route. Similarly, when the future is unclear, the nation should draw inspiration from its core beliefs and eternal values that have shaped its history.

The article references the opening verse of Genesis, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," and Rabbi Yitzchak's explanation, as cited by Rashi, that the Torah begins here to provide a response to the nations' claims of dispossession. The core message is that the land belongs to God, who grants it to whom He wills. This understanding, the article argues, is crucial for internal conviction and for confidently facing external criticism and internal doubts.

Ultimately, the piece emphasizes that in this time of war remembrance, critical decisions, and attempts to delegitimize the nation's cause, a return to "Bereshit," faith, and eternal values is necessary. This connection to the past and faith will empower the people to take responsibility, make informed choices, and shape their future.