The Mir Yeshivah establishes itself again in
Jerusalem. You continue your Talmudic studies until you have reached a
high level of knowledge. Three rabbis test your understanding and, when
you pass their examination, you are granted the rabbinical title of
Morenu Harav.
You think back to the days when you were studying
medicine in Berlin, and you cannot believe that you spent so many years in
secular studies when you should have been studying the sacred books of the
Jewish people from early childhood. Judaism can only survive,
you
conclude, if we remain true to our Torah. Ignorance and the violation of our holy
traditions can only result in misfortune for the Jews. God expects us to
return to what we are supposed to do – study and teach Torah. That
is true Judaism.
Every evening, you walk to the King David Hotel. From there you can see
the only part of the ancient Temple that remains standing, the Western
Wall. You cannot approach any closer because that part of Jerusalem is
occupied by Jordanian soldiers. You pray that God will one day allow you
the privilege of worshipping at the Wall so that you will fulfil the
destiny of all Jews to return to the holy mountain of the Temple and bring
the Messiah down to earth. “Ken yehi ratson,” you chant,
Thus may it be God's will.
END