5766 —על "תודעה ישראלית" וזהות יהודית אמיתית

B"H, First of Selichos, 5717.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After the long break, I was pleased to receive your letter in which you write about your activities during the vacation days. Of course, you acted according to my view and I agree one hundred percent with your decision to take on the lectures you mention, and even more so for speaking with them about practical mitzvos. All the more so, thank you for being, as you write, the connector between Anash and the various kibbutzim who visit there.

Regarding what you write about the matter of "Israeli consciousness," I have already stated my opinion and explained it several times: The greatest danger lies in concepts that are not precise like this one—especially those recently introduced into language. Since most newspapers, journals, and books published are currently in the hands of those who do not follow the path of Torah and mitzvah, they use these concepts to further blur and confuse minds. Frequently they exploit them as a bridge from right to left—similar to the Conservative movement and all compromise movements in religion—which serve as a one-way bridge: a slope from above downwards and from right to left. They have not saved souls for religion or Torah—not at all.

As I have seen in several periodicals regarding this concept of "Israeli consciousness," it is already being used as a substitute for all that is holy to the people of Israel. Into this concept are inserted empty ideas that not only do not help improve matters between a Jew and the G‑d of Israel but also do not even help improve relationships between one Jew and another.

It is written in sefarim that in the final moments of exile, darkness will be doubled and redoubled until its lowest point—and this itself is a sign that we have reached that lowest point, and any moment now redemption will begin.

I mean here the well-known sacred proclamation: Ki MiTzion Tetze Torah u'Dvar Hashem MiYerushalayim ("For out of Zion shall go forth Torah, and the word of Hashem from Jerusalem"). Never before were Zion and Jerusalem used to increase darkness and exile as in recent years—and especially recent months—not just as places but also as concepts. In New York too, according to my knowledge also in other countries abroad, terms like "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are used to distance Jews even further from matters of Torah and Hashem's word.

It seems that the fate of the concept "Israeli consciousness" may be similar if its content is not strictly defined unambiguously—what it means—and clear boundaries set for where it is beneficial or has no relevance at all; in which areas it is actually dangerous for the existence of the G‑dly soul which is the essence and life-force of every Jew everywhere at all times.

I hope you will not take offense at these expressions; even a brief reflection shows they are insufficient compared to how serious these matters are—especially considering some recent articles whose intent is openly that this is what Rachmana Liba Ba'i ("the Merciful One desires the heart") means: there is no need—G‑d forbid—for Moshe's Torah given at Sinai or its guidance for human life; rather there is some general idea for Am Yisrael which at the end of days will also become universal for all nations—that being "Israeli consciousness." For now its details are hidden but apparently it does not burden people regarding positive or negative commandments—and that's enough said.

But since we were assured that in these last moments of exile everything will be clarified, refined, purified etc., we can hope even this vague concept will be clarified soon—the sooner the better.

Toward the new year coming upon us all for good and blessing—I hereby express my blessing to you and all those connected with you: A blessing for being inscribed and sealed for a good sweet year both materially and spiritually together.

Summary

The Rebbe warns against adopting imprecise modern concepts like "Israeli consciousness," urging instead a clear commitment to authentic Torah identity rooted in mitzvos. He encourages vigilance against confusion in Jewish values while sending heartfelt blessings for a good year ahead.