Torah and Archeology – No Fear!

The Foundation for Historical and Archeological Education

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Matmonei Eretz is a unique association that promotes and integrates the study of archaeology and history within the religious sector in Israel.  The association views these subjects as integral to students’ acquisition of a sophisticated worldview, understanding, and appreciation of our nation’s magnificent history and culture, and as vital tools for enriching Jewish and Torah education.

Matmonei Eretz, or Treasures of the Earth, views its activities and programs as unparalleled contributions to religious education, a breath of fresh air that will benefit students by granting them an appreciation and keen insight into our nation’s extraordinary legacy, with lasting effects on the heart and mind. These positive results include the development of a rich Jewish identity and conscience; increased exposure to Jewish culture and tradition; a deepened connection—and thus obligation—to Israel; and the internalization of educational material and lessons studied in the Written and Oral Torah.

The Association’s wealth of activities and projects include the following:

1. The development and integration of modern educational programs into school curricula, enhanced by field trips to historical sites in Israel.
2. The establishment of a Talmudic Museum in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.
3. Negotiations with the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to designate Tourist and Antiquities Sites in Israel that will offer special educational tours designed specifically for the religious sector.
4. The restoration of the ancient Jewish settlement in Beit She’arim and the establishment of an on-site educational center.
5. Training programs for religious tour guides who will deliver educational tours of historical sites in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism.

 Matmonei Eretz Board Members include a well-regarded group of Talmudic scholars, historians, authors, archaeologists and educators, under the direction of our venerable Chairman Rabbi Berel Wein, shlita.

The Association is closely affiliated with Israel’s Moreshet Program, created by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Cabinet Secretary Tzvi Hauser.

We appeal to you to join Matmonei Eretz in its goal of enriching Jewish education in Israel.  Our efforts will inspire Jewish students, broaden their horizons, and afford them unique opportunities to experience learning in a deeper, more profound way.  This will hopefully grant them emotional and spiritual fortitude and equip them with the tools to continue learning, advancing, and attaining greater accomplishments. This, in turn,  should impact society and enrich the Jewish world at large.

We would be most appreciative if you would contact us to obtain further information aboutMatmonei Eretz and its unique activities on behalf of the Jewish nation and homeland.

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A few words about the conference held on at 28 August 2011:

The conference was about the connection of History & archeology with the Torah world.

Our message is:  that the knowledge of history and archeology are an integral part of the Torah, in all her levels as below:

1. It helps to understand the Written and the Oral Law. A famous example of this is one of the great Jewish scholars, the NAHMANIDIES.
2. It connects every Jew and especially children, to authentic Jewish values.
3. it varieties the established learning, and strengthens the motivation to Torah studies, to all kinds of kids.

Wet are we wanted to achieve with confidence?

To be finally released from the fear of “archeology science”. We are not afraid of the truth! And the truth is on the Torah side!

1. To gather all who deal with religious archeology and help each other to expand the influence of archeology on the Torah world.
2. To increase numeric the engaging Jewish religious archeology.
3.  To assist Torah institutions in adopting archeology for Torah study.

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Additional Links

• For an overview of the Matmonei Eretz Foundation and its activities, read Matmonei Eretz.
• An interview with Rabbi Soloveitchik about the conference on Torah and Archaeology that he initiated (MP3 /27MB,  To listen)

• A flagship project of Matmonei Eretz is the proposed Talmudic Museum in Jerusalem. Details of the museum’s research base are discussed in the Illustrated Atlas of Everyday Life in Mishnaic and Talmudic Times by Professor Z. Safrai and Dr. B. Sisso.

• For some thoughts on the aims of contemporary Torah education, read Enrichment and Individuality in Torah Education by Rabbi Eliyahu Soloveitchik.