Meaning: The quote by Norman Lamm, a prominent modern Orthodox Jewish educator, reflects the complex relationship between Modern Orthodoxy and Ultra-Orthodoxy with regard to the State of Israel. In this quote, Lamm emphasizes the highly positive attitude of Modern Orthodoxy towards the State of Israel, while acknowledging the contrasting stance of the Ultra-Orthodox community, which recognizes only the holiness of the land but not the political entity of the state.

Modern Orthodoxy is a movement within Orthodox Judaism that seeks to engage with the modern world while maintaining a commitment to traditional Jewish law and values. This approach is characterized by a belief in the significance of the State of Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecies and a manifestation of Jewish national aspirations. For many Modern Orthodox Jews, the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 was a momentous event that holds deep religious and historical significance.

The highly positive attitude of Modern Orthodoxy towards the State of Israel can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, many Modern Orthodox Jews view the State of Israel as a refuge and homeland for the Jewish people, especially in the aftermath of the Holocaust and other historical persecutions. The state is seen as a symbol of Jewish resilience and self-determination, reflecting the biblical and historical connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel.

Additionally, the State of Israel holds religious significance for Modern Orthodox Jews due to its role as the center of Jewish religious life and the site of important religious landmarks such as the Western Wall and the Old City of Jerusalem. Many Modern Orthodox Jews feel a deep spiritual connection to the land of Israel and view it as an integral part of their religious identity.

In contrast, the Ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, community maintains a more nuanced relationship with the State of Israel. While they share a deep attachment to the land of Israel based on religious and historical grounds, many Ultra-Orthodox Jews do not recognize the state itself. This stance is rooted in theological and ideological differences regarding the nature of Jewish sovereignty and the role of secular authority in religious life.

The Ultra-Orthodox rejection of the State of Israel as a political entity stems from their adherence to a strict interpretation of Jewish law and their belief in the eventual messianic redemption of the Jewish people. Some Ultra-Orthodox groups view the establishment of the state as a secular, human initiative that does not align with their messianic vision of a divine restoration of the Jewish homeland.

The divergence between Modern Orthodoxy and Ultra-Orthodoxy on the issue of the State of Israel has led to ongoing tensions and debates within the broader Orthodox Jewish community. Despite these differences, it is important to note that both Modern Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jews share a deep love and connection to the land of Israel, albeit with differing perspectives on its political status.

In conclusion, Norman Lamm's quote encapsulates the contrasting attitudes of Modern Orthodoxy and Ultra-Orthodoxy towards the State of Israel. While Modern Orthodoxy maintains a highly positive attitude and embraces the state as a central aspect of Jewish identity, Ultra-Orthodox groups have a more nuanced approach, recognizing the holiness of the land but not the political entity of the state. This complex relationship reflects the diversity of viewpoints within the Orthodox Jewish community and the multifaceted significance of the State of Israel in contemporary Jewish life.