Message from Rabbi Kenneth Brander, The David Mitzner Dean of The Center for the Jewish Future, Yeshiva University
Consider the question: Which is holier? Har Sinai or Eretz Yisrael?
Rav Soloveitchik taught that though the revelation of God and his Torah occurred at Har Sinai, its holiness does not compare to that of the land of Israel. As vivid and strong and important as Har Sinai was—its kedusha was only temporary. Why? Because God alone created the holiness of Har Sinai, so when He left, the kedusha of the place departed too.
Eretz Yisrael differs. Its kedusha stems from a holiness made in the partnership between man and God. The conquering, building and sustaining of the land was, and remains, a process—of human endeavors coupled with the support of God. Therefore, it maintains its holiness forever. Even after God may have stepped back after the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, the other partner, Bnei Yisrael, remained, maintaining the holiness of the land forever.
As one considers a year in Israel, it is important to note that there is no holiness without preparation, and that the holiness of partnerships, allows for the holiness to endure. The partnerships of parent, child, school, and this guide to Israel programs are part of that creation of holiness for kedushat Eretz Yisrael.
We hope that this guide helps students create their special odyssey for a year of kedusha in kedushat Eretz Yisrael.
Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future acknowledges the work of the Orthodox Caucus and Rabbi Dr. Shalom Berger in developing the initial vision for this site. We build on their hard work.