Page 20 - HaMizrachi_Tu_Bishvat_2020_USA_HP_Neat

RAV KOOK’S TEACHINGS

Rabbi Chanan Morrison

TWO LOVES

FOR ERETZ YISRAEL

abbi Hisda and Rabbi group consists of five fruits and grains,

placed on loving Eretz Yisrael. This
Hamenuna were seated at a great love stems from recognizing corresponding to the Five Books of
“Rmeal and were served dates the unique qualities of the Land – Moses. This devotion to Eretz Yisrael
and pomegranates. Rabbi Hamenuna qualities that enable the Jewish people stems from the world of Torah, from
made the blessing over the dates. and all of humanity to attain spiritual an awareness of the spiritual goals of
goals. One who is closer to the Land the Jewish people and the entire world.
Rabbi Hisda told him, ‘Do you not of Israel, and demonstrates a greater
agree that the fruit mentioned earlier connection to it, comes first for The second list contains oil-olive,
in the verse take precedence when blessing. Such an individual is closer symbolizing knowledge, and the
reciting the blessing?’ to the perfection attained through this honey-date, representing material
contentment. These fruits represent
Rabbi Hamenuna responded, ‘Dates special Land. those who appreciate the Land as a
are mentioned second after the word Yet, we may ask: why is the word place where the Jewish people can be
“land,” while pomegranates are only “land” mentioned twice in the verse? successful in the material spheres of
mentioned fifth’.” Why does the verse divide up the life, whether academic, cultural, or
Rabbi Hisda exclaimed, ‘If only we had produce of Eretz Yisrael into two economic.
legs of iron to always follow you and categories? Rabbi Hamenuna taught us an
learn from you!'” There are in fact two types of love for important lesson: how great is the
1
The two scholars referred to the verse the Land of Israel. One’s appreciation love for the Land of Israel, even when
that praises the Land of Israel for for the Land is a function of his this love is limited to its physical
seven grains and fruits: spiritual level and awareness. Some benefits. When they are connected to
value Eretz Yisrael because of its the community, all material matters
“It is a land of wheat, barley, grapes, unique spiritual qualities. They long become spiritual ones; the elevated
figs and pomegranates; a land of oil- “to take pleasure in her stones and goals will automatically be realized
olives and honey-dates.” 2 love her dust” in order to fulfill the through the bonds of G-d’s people to
3
Rabbi Hisda felt that the blessing mitzvot connected to the Land. They His Land.
should reflect the order of the recognize the blessings that Eretz Now we can understand Rabbi
produce mentioned in the verse. Yisrael provides for the spiritual Hisda’s fervent response, “If only
Thus, pomegranates should come elevation of the Jewish people and the we had legs of iron to always follow
first. Rabbi Hamenuna explained that entire world. you and learn from you!” Rav Hisda
while the order in the verse is indeed Then there are those who appreciate understood the inner message of Rabbi
important, there is an even more the Land for its material benefits. They Hamenuna’s teaching. One needs
important factor: how close is the recognize its value as a homeland for “legs of iron” — courage and fortitude
fruit to the word “land” in the verse? the Jewish people, and work towards like iron — to be able to receive this
Pomegranates are the fifth species settling and rebuilding it. This form remarkable message, and appreciate
mentioned after the first “land” in the of devotion to the Land of Israel, even the importance of Israel’s material
verse; dates, however, are the second though it does not take into account strength.
fruit mentioned after “land” appears its special spiritual qualities, is Adapted from Gold from the Land of Israel
a second time. In other words, the nonetheless a good and positive trait. (Urim Publications, 2006).
position of dates in the verse indicates The verse mentions the word “land”
a greater closeness to the Land of twice, each time followed by a list
Israel so this fruit deserves to come of produce. This corresponds to the 1 Berachot 41b.
first. 2 Devarim 8:8..
two forms of devotion to the Land
The thought and care that Rabbi of Israel. The first list of species 3 Psalms 102:15.
Hamenuna invested in his blessing represents those who love the Land for Rabbi Chanan Morrison is the author of
demonstrates the importance he its elevated, spiritual properties. This several books on Rav Kook’s writings
20 | Background illustration of Rav Kook courtesy of www.gedolimcanvas.com