Israeli Parents Urged to Reintroduce Bible Study to Strengthen National and Religious Identity

An article published in the Achvata newsletter calls on Israeli parents to revive the teaching of the Bible (Tanakh) at home to foster a deeper love for the Land of Israel and strengthen Jewish identity. The author reflects on the historical connection between the Jewish people and the land, noting that for thousands of years, Jews longed for Israel and that early religious leaders and communities revered the land as sacred. This love was traditionally inseparable from religious devotion, yet today, many children lack a genuine connection to the land and the Bible.

The author shares a personal anecdote about feeling disconnected from a mountain in New York compared to the strong sense of belonging experienced in Israel. He recalls how his grandparents, who immigrated to Jerusalem 60 years ago, would carry a Bible with their young children across the country, reading verses in their original locations to instill a real sense of belonging and history.

The article highlights a concerning trend within the ultra-Orthodox community, where knowledge of the Bible, prophets, and writings is often neglected despite its foundational role in Jewish tradition. The author points out that even in Bible quizzes adapted for the Haredi public, many participants do not wear traditional black kippot, indicating a disconnect. He stresses that serious engagement with the Bible does not equate to adopting a national-religious identity but is essential to the Haredi identity itself.

The piece concludes with a call to return to the roots by openly and confidently teaching the Bible to children, emphasizing that this is crucial for preserving Jewish heritage and connection to the land. The author laments that many Torah scholars today might struggle with basic Bible knowledge, a situation that parents have the power to change.

The article was published in the Achvata newsletter, distributed across Israel, with contact information provided for receiving the newsletter digitally or for synagogue distribution.