Livneh, Eliezer — Writer and public figure

לבנה - אליעזר

Eliezer Livneh (1902–1975) — Writer and public figure

Eliezer Livneh was an Israeli writer, publicist and politician. Active in the Haganah and the labor movement, he served in the Knesset for Mapai in the early years of the State. After the Six-Day War he was among the founders of the Movement for Greater Israel. He wrote widely on Jewish identity, and in his later years showed increasing interest in Jewish tradition.

What the letters show

Some of these letters touch on political questions; they present the Rebbe's own position.

Judaism and Jewish identity. The Rebbe corresponded with Livneh on the substitutes proposed for the true role of Judaism in Jewish identity (IK 6467). He wrote that Judaism inherently unites spiritual ideals with practical daily life, so that separating religion from the life of the state contradicts its nature (IK 6881), and that involvement in change within communal and economic organizations brings opportunities for spiritual influence (IK 6765).

Chevron and Jerusalem. In later letters the Rebbe wrote candidly about the political realities preventing Jewish settlement in Chevron while urging continued commitment to it (IK 9927), and warned against laws restricting Jewish presence in Chevron and against complacency about Jerusalem's status (IK 10005).

Sources: Wikipedia ("Eliezer Livneh"); and the Rebbe's letters cited above.

Shiurim in this topic

6467. On Substitutes for the True Role of Judaism and Jewish Identity על תחליפים לתפקיד האמיתי של היהדות וזהות יהודית

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6765. Influence of Orthodox Members in Economic Organization and Jewish Identity השפעת חברים אורטודוקסים בארגון כלכלי וזהות יהודית

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6881. On Separation of Religion and State and the Unity of Spiritual and Material Life על הפרדת הדת והמדינה ואחדות החיים הרוחניים והגשמיים

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9927. On Settlement in Chevron, Political Realities, and the Importance of Mivtza Tefillin על ההתנחלות בחברון, המציאות הפוליטית, וחשיבות מבצע תפילין

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10005. On Hebron Housing Law, Public Awareness, and Jerusalem's Status על חוק הדיור בחברון, מודעות הציבור, ומעמד ירושלים

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