Rabbi Yaakov Emden (1697-1776) – We will not seek to get our land

Sefer Hashimush (“The Useful Book”) is a guide to replying to the arguments of the Sabbatean heretics of Rabbi Yaakov Emden’s time. Some of his points apply just as well to Zionism.

Whether Hashem redeems us now, or whether He keeps us in exile for thousands of years more, G-d forbid, we will not give Him up for any other belief. Far be it from us, seed of Israel that was sanctified at Mount Sinai! Hashem chose us for His unique nation in the world. He made us, not we. We have never known anything besides Him, and there is no G-d but He. We will not even seek to get our land, our inheritance – not by might and not by power. We have already been foresworn not to go up as a wall, not to rebel against the government; and Chazal permitted our flesh like the gazelles if we attempt such presumptuous things. Our eyes are uplifted to Hashem our G-d until He has mercy on us and returns our exiles, and shows us wonders as in the days of the exodus from Egypt. (Sefer Hashimush 66b)

Let this not be a stumbling block for us ever again. In the past, the impatient fools of our people were convinced and incited many times by false messiahs, and we became a laughing stock to our neighbors, who persecuted us due to our messiah, because of the fools who acted wrongly, and together with the weeds the cabbage was smitten. Therefore, we have erected a strong fence around ourselves to be careful and have self-control, so that the desire for freedom not take hold of us. The believing Jew will not rush and will not arouse the love before it is desired. Even if our leaders and our government persecute us, we will not leave our places. Even if we sit in the darkness of exile for very many days, Hashem is our light.   His words guide our footsteps, showing us the proper path. We will not seek to free ourselves from our bonds until His word comes to us, He sends us moshiach and sets us free, until He who rules over nations and rebukes powerful peoples will release us. (Sefer Hashimush 76b)

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