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For the L-rd thy G-d Israel bashing is "in." Some claim that the only way to improve what they consider to be a bad situation is by drawing public attention to problems.
Tova Haaretz believes that we can start by accepting the Land's positive aspects.
This may seem strange. After all, there's not much to say if we restrict ourselves to positive issues, right?
Let's find out.
A bus was exploded in Jerusalem less than a week after Shavuot 5763/2003. The group moderator was on the bus that followed it. That sight had a profound impact. It was clearly connected to Shlach, the Portion of the subsequent week in Israel and of two weeks later in the Diaspora. That portion describes the spies who were sent to the Land of Israel.
The Jews had been wandering through the desert for nearly 40 years, they had been enslaved and debased for hundreds of years, they had been the beneficiaries of countless miracles (see Dayenu for a summary), and they witnessed the awesome magnificence of their Creator while receiving the Torah. Yet, they were not sure that Israel was good enough for them.
Yes, there are those who criticize Israel, Israelites, and those who now live in the Land of Israel.
Tova Haaretz represents an unabashedly prejudicial, biased, and alternative view.
That does not mean that Israeli is for everybody. That is not the case. However, it is incumbent upon us to rise above the level of the spies. We do have to relate to the positive and good in Israel.
That is the goal of Tova Haaretz.
bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water,
of fountains and depths,
springing forth in valleys and hills;
a land of wheat and barley,
and vines, and fig-trees and pomegranates,
a land of olive-oil and honey;
a land that without scarceness thou shalt eat bread therein,
thou shalt not lack any thing in it;
...And thou shalt eat and be satisfied
and bless the L-rd thy G-d
for the good land which he hath given thee.
- Deuteronomy 8:7-10
"Can't complain"
Background
Summary
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