OU-JLIC

Orthodox Union Heshe and Harriet Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus

Eitan Phillips Campus: The M.D Katz OU-JLIC at TAU Limitless Love

When talking about the characteristics of love, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook writes something quite challenging - the highest form of love, he suggests, includes, in some way, a love for Amalek.

He writes as follows: “The characteristic of love that is entrenched in the soul of the righteous, includes all of creation, and does not exclude anyone, no people or language, even Amalek is only obliterated underneath the heavens…but above the heavens (Amalek) is included in the highest form of love” (Midat Haraayah, Ahava, 6)

Rav Kook interprets the words תחתמ םימשה, written with regards to our obligation to obliterate the memory of Amalek, as a limit; it is limited to underneath the heavens but, regarding the heavenly domain where a world exists beyond human understanding, love knows no boundaries, it can include even Amalek, the quintessential enemy of the Jewish people.

I think this abstract lesson is one to ponder during this week’s parshat Zachor, especially at a time when there seems to be deep tensions in the State of Israel. If true love for Rav Kook means envisioning even a love for an enemy, surely, we must find a way to demonstrate love for our fellow Jew. With this lofty ideal in mind, it can be said that the M.D Katz OU-JLIC at Tel Aviv University represents a true expression of Rav Kook’s vision for love. It is a place that strives to welcome and embrace the diverse student body of TAU, whilst being a secure and reliable home for those that wish to express their Judaism proudly.

The OU’s Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) is creating and nurturing vibrant religious communities in Israel to support English-speaking college students and young professionals. JLIC Israel’s goals include: building a warm and welcoming Jewish community for students and young professionals; providing engaging and dynamic Jewish education; providing a supportive home environment for Olim; providing resources for personal and religious growth, including personal mentoring, Aliyah support, religious guidance and leadership development. Current JLIC programs in Israel include: Reichman University - Herzliya; Bar Ilan University - Givat Shmuel; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv for Young Professionals; and Jerusalem. Contact: Rabbi Jonathan Shulman, Director of OU-JLIC in Israel shulmanj@ou.org

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