From Zionism to the Era of Prophecy

After the end of the era of prophecy in ancient times, prophecy was taken from the people of Israel, and they moved into the era of wisdom. That is, from a direct connection with the sacred through revelation, we transitioned to tools of intellectual understanding, which minimize the experiential dimension in the connection with the sublime.

With the return of the people of Israel from exile to the Land, a yearning arises for the renewal of the channel of revelation, one in which all the powers of the soul and body participate.

The return to the Land as a nation, the realization of Zionism, is a process of revival, of a renewed revelation of the holiness inherent in the Land, in nature, and in the body.

The Tools of the New Era

The Nation of Israel is entering a new era in which it requires different tools, more experiential and comprehensive than the power of the intellect alone, in order to establish its connection with its God.

Now, unlike the days of ancient prophecy, says Rav Kook, a new synthesis will be created between the intellect and emotion and imagination. And the latter – the imagination – is also the tool that will serve as the channel through which prophecy will be renewed.

A new Israeli culture will emerge, encompassing all contradictions and factions, and this culture will be in direct contact, through modern revelation, with the Source of Life.

From an Exilic Perception to the Torah of the Land of Israel

According to Rav Kook, a transition is currently taking place between an exilic perception and the Torah of the Land of Israel, which is a comprehensive perception.

This is the growth not only of a new political body, i.e., the state, but of a new Israeli soul in which its prophetic roots are coming back to life. Through it, we establish a society and a state with universal meaning, vision, and message.

Our goal is a spiritual-cultural revolution. A great cultural ascent, a new Jewish creation, divine, prophetic, that will turn Israel into a world center of pioneering, avant-garde creation, and a source of attraction for the entire world.

All this, on the way to the emergence of a modern Israeli prophetic culture.