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Rabbi Reuven Taragin

Seventy for 70 – Ushering

in the Eighth Decade

1. Preparing for the Eighth country. Appreciative of God’s gifts, we feel to Israel and Jerusalem (Ketuvot 110b),
he Torah portion of Shemini, responsible to help Israel become the place but also a process of continued personal
in which the Jewish people in which the Shechina can fully reside. Not elevation. Rashi quotes our Sages
T prepare for the eighth day of the only in places of Torah and prayer, but (Bava Metzia 61b) who explain that
Mishkan’s (Tabernacle) inauguration, is throughout the entire country. our fulfillment of mitzvot (this one in
very appropriate for the week that ushers particular and others in general) raises us
in the eighth decade of the State of Israel. The Religious Zionist community has above society’s norms. Our return to Israel
grown in number and influence in both is meant to be part of this process – not
After seven days of inauguration, our Israel and the United States. Let us cre- just a change in country code, but in moral
ancestors were commanded to facilitate ate more space for the Shechina and help code too.
the Shechina (Divine Presence). We too Israel become what God wants it to be.
should reflect upon how to strengthen Raising our sights this Shabbat will
God’s presence within our 70-year-old hopefully help us elevate ourselves to God,
State. 2. Seventy for 70 thus allowing Him to reside within us.
This Shabbat’s “Seventy for 70” program Through this we prepare for our parallel
The State of Israel has grown over the expresses this goal. We prepare for physical Aliyah to a State infused with the
past 70 years. Its economy, security, and Yom HaAtzmaut through nationwide Divine Presence.
social structure are strong and admired Torah learning. Speakers are focusing on
throughout the world. Religiously, Torat Eretz Yisrael, reminding us of the
Israel is blessed with countless yeshivas, sweet Torah emanating from Israel and 4. Thank You
seminaries, and organizations. There are emboldening us to continue our efforts on It has been an honor to direct this special
more Jews learning Torah, strengthening its behalf. program. I thank the RZA and World
Jewish identity, and performing chessed in Mizrachi, as well as the speakers, rabbis
Israel than ever before. In Judaism, the number 70 represents and representatives who made it possible.
As Religious Zionists, we aspire to the world’s nations. Our coming together
something extra, something higher. as 70-plus communities is a statement May we all merit the blessing that Moshe
Rabbi Soloveitchik, Rabbi Kook, and about ourselves as the Religious Zionist and Aharon gave our ancestors in this
many others saw the return to and the Community of America. We come together week’s portion (Rashi 9:23): “May the
establishment of the State of Israel as the as one community unified by our shared sweetness of Hashem, our God, be upon us.
beginning of the Redemption process. ideals and goals for the future of the State May it be His will that His Presence infuses
Rabbi Soloveitchik identified it as God’s of Israel. our efforts.”
call to us. 70 years and much miraculous
development later, this call has grown 3. Aliyah Rabbi Reuven Taragin is
louder. The end of this week’s Torah portion Director of “Seventy for 70"
We are even more convinced of the teaches us that Aliyah (literally, “ascent”) and Dean of the Yeshivat
religious significance of our precious is more than just the action of moving HaKotel Overseas Program