The Divrei Torah in this section have been translated by Rav Reuven Ungar, Director of Alumni Affairs
Formation of The Nation- Part I
By: Rav Moshe Ganz
Ram in Yeshivat Sha'alvim
The Thought of Rav Kook, conveyed by Rav Moshe Ganz, ram in Yeshivat Sha'alvim (edited by Mr. Moshe Miller).
Two types of apparently distinct ideas abound; spiritual ideas and national ideas. The former find expression in the thoughts and expression of man; they engage exalted concepts. In contrast, national concepts find expression in groups of individuals uniting around ideals that are manifested in day-to-day life.
Some nations are united by their spiritual aspirations. Other peoples find their common denominator in national pursuits- a sense of connection based upon bonds amongst the people themselves.
Rav Kook teaches that spiritual aspirations enable peoples to unite. Thus nations are truly formed. Subservience to spiritual goals enables individuals to submit to blend into the collective (klal) and to be willing to sacrifice for communal goals. At times spiritual ideals are manifested in this world in a debased state of idolatry (such as the Kemosh god of Moav); these perverted ideals also transfer individuals into a nation.
Subsequent to the formation of a nation, the national elements of a people may attempt to disengage from its' spiritual goal. When a nation develops in all spheres, it may feel that the spiritual bonds that generated its' formation, are no longer relevant. Thus a nation loses its' soul.
The progression of events is predictable. The nation loses its' inner fortitude and the individual aspirations carry the day. The power of the community has eroded; all what remains is the refrain "what can I receive from the State, what is in it for me?"
At times it appears that the Jewish People has reached the sorry state of losing its' spiritual ideals. Be'ezrat Hashem, next week we will engage this issue.
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