"Medinat Yisrael" - (f) The modern State of Israel; founded in 1948; Realization of a Dream of the Ages of the Jewish People; Considered by many "Atchalta D'Geulah," the "Beginning of the Redemption"

Main actors on the visible stage were the Founder of Modern Zionism, Theodore Herzl, first President of the State, Dr. Chaim Weitzmann and first Prime Minister, David ben Gurion.

A powerful voice earlier in the 20^th Century from the religious camp was that of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook - Scholar, Mystic and Poet of the Redemption of the People of Israel.

Currently (late November, 1999 - approaching Chanukah, 5760), Israel struggles with many problems; the most serious, probably, are internal: the raging battle between secular, assimilated Jews and religious Jews, and the disunity within the religious camp. These are being dealt with against the backdrop of mounting pressure for a Palestinian state and continuous concessions to their outrageous demands, with our other "cousins," the surrounding Arab countries not at all exhibiting friendliness towards the Jewish State.

It is possible to say that there is currently taking place a battle for the soul of the State of Israel, between the religious camp whose ranks, though badly divided, are growing daily, and the secularists. It is very reminiscent of the time of Chanukah, with the assimilationist "Mityavnim," (those Jews who copied the culture of "Yavan," Greece) being replaced by "MitAmericanim," (Jews who copy every nuance of Western, and particularly American "Culture").

Then the Assimilationists were defeated by a small core of dedicated Maccabees. Hopefully, a "critical mass" of Jews will be moved to once again identify with their heritage, such that a tidal wave of "Teshuvah," Repentance, will arise and wash away the ugly parts of Western Culture that have taken root, and Israel will once again become a great spiritual force, as it was "in those days, at this time."