The Mitzvah of Living in Israel

In class we looked at different ways of understanding why the Rambam did not list living in Israel in his Sefer HaMitzvot. Which way of understanding the Rambam do you find most persuasive? Why? Which explanation do you find least persuasive? Why?

Mitzvot HaTeluyot Ba'Aretz

Consider the Mitzvot Hateluyot Ba'Aretz that we discussed in class.

1) Which one of them speaks to you the most? Why?
2) Imagine yourself in Israel carrying out the mitzvah. Write a few sentences, as if you are writing to a friend in Chutz La'Aretz, explaining what you are doing and describing your feelings upon performing the mitzvah.

Sanctity of the Land of Israel

After examining different statements by Chazal regarding the land of Israel, we noted that they saw Eretz Yisrael as a powerful agent of positive change. Reflect on this idea and consider how Israel has changed individual Jews, groups of Jews, and the Jewish people as a whole: 

• Do you know anyone who was changed/positively influenced by his/her connection to the land of Israel? If yes, how were they changed? 
• As you have become more connected to Israel over the years, do you notice any positive change within yourself? If yes, describe the change. 
• How has the Jewish people been changed/positively influenced by the land of Israel?   Give one example from ancient times and one from modern times. 

The Promise to Avraham

Reflect on today's discussion regarding God's promise to Avraham. Imagine that you are Sarah, wife of Avraham, and your husband has just related to you that your family will inherit the land of Israel. Writing in the voice of Sarah, answer the following questions:

• How does this promise make you feel? What emotions are you experiencing?
• How will your life be changed by it?
• How will your husband’s life be changed by it?
• What responsibilities come with this promise?

Zionism: Linking Old and New

In today's 3-2-1, a student astutely noted that it is very hard in today's world to hold on to one's roots. She expressed admiration for the State of Israel which has been able to hold on to the Jewish past in a modern society. Please consider this point and reflect on the following:  

1) In your view, what specifically does Israel hold onto that is difficult for it to do? Give two examples of ways in which Israel has held on to its roots and explain why it has been hard to do so. 
2) In a society in which "new and improved" is valued, and "old" is considered obsolete, how can we effectively explain to others why we/Israel continue to hold on to the "old." What argument would you make to someone in this regard? 

Zionism I: Anti-Semitism in 19th Century Europe

Assume the role of a blogger reporting on anti-Semitism in 19th century Europe. Write a blog post summarizing the Damascus Blood Libel, Mortara Affair, rise of Romantic Nationalism, the Dreyfus Affair and the 1881-1882 pogroms and the impact they all had on the Jews of Europe.

Zionism II: The Irgun

Please read the following short article on an aspect of the Irgun that we have not covered in class: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/irgunill.html and answer the following questions: 


1. What aspect of the Irgun does the article highlight? 
2. Does this article change your perception of the Irgun in any way? Why or Why not? 
3. The argument has been made that there is a difference between a terrorist organization and an organization that carries out terrorist acts. Do you agree or disagree with this distinction? Why? Could this distinction apply to the Irgun? Why or why not?