Rabbi Eliyahu Zaini Criticizes Religious Zionist Circles for Distorting Rabbi Kook’s Teachings on Unity
Ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Zaini, president of the Or VeYeshua Yeshiva, sharply criticized trends within Religious Zionism that prioritize inclusion and acceptance even toward public figures who have not retracted actions he views as harmful to the state and its values. He condemned the concept of "inclusion" as a harmful blend of Western and Indian psychology that has eroded core values, stating it has no place in Jewish discourse. However, he acknowledged the importance of tolerance and giving others the benefit of the doubt out of love for Israel, but not at the expense of principles.
Rabbi Zaini argued that various Religious Zionist groups have misinterpreted Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook’s teachings on unity and rapprochement. While Rabbi Kook advocated unconditional love, brotherhood, and peace, he also set clear boundaries, emphasizing that unity should be with those who seek the good of the Jewish people, honesty, and true love, never at the cost of compromising principles or blurring truth and falsehood.
Regarding the Religious Zionist sector’s political behavior, Rabbi Zaini claimed that the desire to be a unifying force and influential partner has sometimes devolved into seeking public legitimacy. Instead of confidently standing by their positions, some rabbis and groups focus on pleasing others, which he said contradicts Rabbi Kook’s approach and Torah values.
He highlighted the growing political fragmentation among Religious Zionist voters, who no longer vote as a bloc as they did in the early decades of the state. This has led to politicians from across the political spectrum courting Religious Zionist institutions like yeshivas and pre-military academies, a phenomenon Rabbi Zaini believes requires clear boundaries. He stressed the difference between personal respect and granting public legitimacy, asserting that while every Jew deserves respect and access to religious institutions, not every politician should be given a platform without scrutinizing their actions and values.
Rabbi Zaini called for restoring spiritual leadership to its proper role, emphasizing that a rabbi’s duty goes beyond private halachic rulings to shaping the nation’s spirit, speaking truth even when unpopular, and distinguishing between love for Israel and compromising principles. He cited Rabbi Kook’s essay "The Honor of the Rabbinate" to underline this responsibility.
