Israel is at the center of our education and plays a critical role in our religious identity. As religious Zionists, we find religious meaning in the political autonomy that Jews have gained in our homeland--we have taken a certain measure of control over our destiny. In describing the miracle of Chanukah, the Rambam highlights the political reign of the Chashmonaim, which lasted for more than 200 years. In principle, it was wrong for the Chashmonaim to serve as kings since they were kohanim, and the Torah requires separation of powers between royalty and priesthood. Nevertheless, the Rambam seems to view their reign positively. Perhaps the Rambam is suggesting that there is a religious value to Jewish political autonomy even if it does not correspond exactly to halachic ideals.

In addition to the value of political autonomy in our historic homeland, I think there's another remarkable religious value in the modern State of Israel. The State of Israel presents the greatest opportunity for full expression of Modern Orthodox Judaism. Living in the Diaspora, Jews do not need to completely engage the world in its fullness. In the Diaspora, Jews can survive as a people by retreating into our insular world, engaging in only those issues that interest us or seem safe to us. If we are making our own country though, we need to engage in every aspect of existence: What does Judaism say about war? What does Judaism say about how a government should care for the underprivileged in society?  What does Judaism say about operating a modern economy on Shabbat? What does Judaism say about international political treaties? The list goes on and on. The State of Israel demands that our community embrace the modern world in its entirety; it provides the ultimate opportunity for us to live the ideals of an integrated Modern Orthodoxy.

I'm so proud of our students and staff for the devotion they show to the State of Israel, and I'm particularly grateful to Rabbi Hochman for putting together the entire Israel Education Week program.