OROT chapter 1

OROT, published by RAYK is a complicated but spiritually enlightening book. Over the next few weeks, I hope to explore some issues that RAYK explores in this masterpiece. Here is the opening chapter (Kindly Translated by Rabbi David Samson) of OROT.

Chapter One:

Eretz Yisrael is not a peripheral matter, an external acquisition of the nation; it is not merely a means toward the goal of the general coalescing of the nation, nor of strengthening its material existence, nor even its spiritual. Eretz Yisrael is an independent unit, bound with a living attachment with the nation, bound with inner Segulot with the nation's existence.

As a result, it is impossible to comprehend the essence of the inner Segula of the Kedusha of Eretz Yisrael, and to reveal the depths of its love, through any form of human conceptualization;
but only through the Spirit of Hashem which acts on the nation as a whole.

This Ruach Hashem on the nation, the natural spiritual formulation of Israel's soul, sends its rays in natural colors in all paths of sensitivity. It shines its exalted rays in direct accordance with the exalted Ruach HaKodesh which fills with life and exalted joy the hearts of the holy thinkers and those who are involved in the deep contemplations of Israel.

The thought regarding Eretz Yisrael that it has merely a peripheral value to facilitate the subsistence of the unified nation; even when it comes to fortify the concept of Judaism in the
Diaspora, in order to preserve its form, and to strengthen the belief and fear of Hashem, and to strengthen the performance of the commandments in a proper fashion - this orientation toward
Eretz Yisrael is not worthy of lasting fruition, for its foundation is rickety in light of the towering, unshakable Kedusha of Eretz Yisrael.

The concept of Judaism in the Diaspora will only find true strength through the depth of its involvement in Eretz Yisrael. Only through its longing for Eretz Yisrael will Diaspora Judaism
consistently receive its inherent qualities. The yearning for Salvation gives the Judaism of the Diaspora its power of stamina whereas the Judaism of Eretz Yisrael is the Salvation itself.