Delivered at the OU Israel Center, 28 Nisan 5783 – April 19, 2023
Rabbi Manning’s series for 2023 has been sponsored
לעילוי נשמת ברנה בת בנדית וזליג בן קלמן
- As we approach Yom Ha’atzmaut in Israel, the Israeli flag becomes a ubiquitous sight in our streets. In recent months during 2023, the flag has also been one of the central rallying symbols of large demonstrations.
- In the Religious Zionist community, the flag appears in places of religious focus – batei knesset and batei midrash – and can be an extremely strong visual symbol in our direct line of vision when we pray to God. Is there anything inappropriate with this? Is it a proper addition to our shul architecture? Does this issue simply turn on one’s hashkafic position on Zionism, or are there other halachic and hashkafic messages involved?
- What about other national flags in country in which Jews live and to which they show their allegiance? Can or should these be introduced into places of worship?