The word 'Israel' means 'the holy community'

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

The word 'Israel' is not only the name for a country, but its meaning is 'the

holy community', according to Rabbi Jacob Neusner:

 

" Israel, the state, rather than God, has become the object of worship for many

Jews at the present time, Rabkin notes. Indeed, Zionism not only has changed

Jewish life, but has shifted the meaning of the word " Israel. " According to

Rabbi Jacob Neusner, an American academic and one of the most prolific

interpreters of Judaism, " The word 'Israel' today generally refers to the

overseas political nation, the State of Israel. When people say, 'I am going to

Israel,' they mean a trip to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem...[but] the prayers that

Judaism teaches, all use the word 'Israel' to mean 'the holy community.' "

 

http://www.wrmea.org/archives/December_2008/0812054.html

 

So, the very word of 'Israel' is of a very special meaning--of 'the holy

community'. So, when you read the Christian Bible, or scriptures, wherever is

mentioned 'Israel', it can be taken for 'the holy community'. i remember Shri

Mataji telling us that the saga of the Jewish people is a metaphor for a person

searching for the 'Holy Land' of Sahasrara within. There is a lot of richness in

this 'Israel' word, and it needs to be cherished and understood, for its real

spiritual meaning--that of the Holy Land of Sahasrara!

 

regards,

 

violet