Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)

[We have seen how Rav Yisraeli envisioned an agricultural yeshiva remedying the disconnect between the religious growth and practical plans of the youth in times of Jewish pioneer spirit in Eretz Yisrael. He also discussed how yeshivot in a time where people need to prepare for their occupations need to adapt to this challenge, and how this was developing slowly.]

Another educational goal is that the students will become familiar firsthand with [the classic] works of Jewish Philosophy – Kuzari, Chovat Halevavot, Ikarim (Elbo), etc. They should also hear inspirational talks on Jewish ethics, which should spur debate on topics in Halacha and ethics. The agricultural work will serve as supplemental support for that which was learned; it is a practical example of how to fulfill Halacha. Students who are in that atmosphere for years will come out infused with a healthy world outlook that is nourished from the sources of our lives, while also being physically strong and prepared to toil in the building of the land and the garden.

The character of the yeshiva will be popular; the yeshiva will not limit itself to elite students. We will make it mandatory for all of the youngsters in our movement. All parents who want their sons to have vocational training along with spiritual preparation from a Jewish root will send them. There will be an increase in the knowledge of Torah in the nation, and people will return to the source of their life spirit.

The agricultural yeshiva is not coming to compete with the existing yeshivas. Its place in the scheme of things is totally different. It is not coming to take away but to add. The point is not to take yeshiva students and put them in the agricultural yeshiva, but to bring in those who are “standing outside.” These are people who do not have the possibility, due to the conditions of life, to receive Torah in a yeshiva which does not include work. If they have a desire to know Torah and to live a life of Torah, they will find that which they need in the agricultural yeshiva. Its goal is not to create Torah luminaries; it will strive to produce those who only “know Torah.” Rabbis, religious judges, and halachic decisors will not be among its graduates; in any case, that is not the aspiration.

It is still too early to dream about returning to the type of life that existed in the days of the Tannaim and Amoraim of old. Those were the greatest men in the world and humble people who labored with their hands to make a living, amidst austerity. At the same time, they were great pillars upon whom all the House of Israel rested. Perhaps someday after complete generations have gone by of quiet, natural life involved in the produce of the soil, the hearts will reawaken and there will be great men who can combine within them brilliance in Torah with the simplicity of a natural life. However, we cannot rush the matter. Let us not forget the rule, “If you grabbed for too much, you will not have grasped anything.” Any such attempt is subject to failure from the beginning.

We are still in the period of beginnings. From the laying of the cornerstone until the building is fully complete will be a long path. The true responsible work will begin when the work on the building is over. We will need to be hyper vigilant to keep to the right direction and to choose the right educational staff. The budget that will exist for the institution will be critical for its development. This is important because this will be a very valuable institution for the Torah in people’s life and within the nation.