At Israel's biggest Bible study gathering, thousands turn to Tanakh for answers on politics

Thousands attended Herzog College's annual "Yemei Iyun B'Tanakh" (Bible Study Days) in Alon Shvut, Gush Etzion, a four-day event now in its 33rd year. This year, 5,000 participants engaged in 160 lectures across multiple languages. A key focus was the English track on "Politics and Elections in Tanakh," which explored biblical perspectives on leadership, power, and governance, especially relevant given upcoming Israeli elections. Rabbi Reuven Spolter, who curated the English track, stated, "Tanakh is not just a record of the past. It is a guide for understanding the questions we face today." Rabbi Doron Perez contrasted Machiavellian politics with the Jewish ideal of leadership, emphasizing unity and service over power, drawing parallels to contemporary Israeli society and the concept of Israel as a "family."