The Land I Will Show You, sec. 7, Introduction
The Land I Will Show You, sec. 7, Introduction
Section 7: The Concept of Eretz Yisrael
Dear Reader,
I am pleased to announce that the translation project of my book on the mitzvah of residing in Eretz Yisrael has now reached its seventh and final section.
This concluding section elucidates the mitzvah’s great significance, illustrating why residing in Eretz Yisrael is viewed as equivalent to all mitzvahs in the Torah combined. It also presents a practical roadmap for realizing Abraham’s vision and truly sanctifying the Land in our times.
Given the broad importance of these themes and their universal significance, I have decided to extend the distribution of these chapters beyond the Unapologetics subscribers who opted in, making them available in the inbox of all our subscribers.
Please note that these translations are direct from the original Hebrew, capturing the essence in a sometimes raw form. It is my hope to eventually see a refined adaptation for an English-speaking audience, fully conveying the depth and richness of this work.
The 15 chapters dedicated to the concept of Eretz Yisrael will be published bi-weekly, alternating with the ongoing publication of Exodus, Exile and Redemption.
With deep hope that our eyes behold the return of the Shechinah to Zion with mercy,
Rabbi Shnayor Burton
(For the previous chapter of “The Land I Will Show You, click here. For the ToC, click here.)
Section 7: The Concept of Eretz Yisrael
Introduction
We have mentioned often that the mitzvah to settle in Eretz Yisrael is contingent upon understanding the value of living there: the deeper the understanding, the greater the mitzvah. Therefore, our book would not be complete without clarifying the essence of Eretz Yisrael and its value. Moreover, it is fitting for one who is in fact residing in Eretz Yisrael, as commanded, to know what is expected of him there: What is the purpose of dwelling in it? How is the mitzvah fulfilled perfectly? As one’s understanding of the Land’s essence deepens, so does his fulfillment of the mitzvah, as he aligns himself with the mitzvah’s objectives which are nothing less than the objectives of the entire Torah, as shall be explained.
It was also mentioned that there is a great mitzvah for the Nation of Israel to return to the Holy Land in a way that corrects the root sin that hasn’t yet been eradicated, namely, the sin of the spies. Disdain for the cherished land must be transformed into desire, affection and longing, thereby making the physical return also a full repentance. To bring about this revolution, we must first understand what the sin we must correct depends on: Precisely what was the sin of the spies? What was misunderstood about the essence of the desirable land; what is the new stance we must adopt; and how do we adopt it?
This Torah-subject is profound and requires precise study, and no less, internalization and practice. It is especially the duty of the wise and sagacious, the leaders of the nation, to study this topic thoroughly, to see and know the Land for what it is; for by knowing the Land, they might greatly influence the younger generation, their students and the masses of the Nation of Israel to settle in it and possess it in such a way that its blessing is attained and its inhabitants are sanctified by its holiness. In fact, the Jewish leaders of today have the same role as the spies sent in ancient times from the Paran Desert. Just as then, the heads of the Children of Israel were tasked with the mission to see the Land for what it is and bring their conclusions back to the entire nation, so too today, as the question of residing in Eretz Yisrael resurfaces, the heads of the Children of Israel are charged with learning and teaching, examining, deciding and influencing, to determine whether we can indeed adopt the holy stance of properly loving the Land or not.
The discussion will begin with the literature of the early sages, in which are found three systematic approaches to the significance of Eretz Yisrael: the approach of Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi, the approach of Rambam, and the approach of Ramban; after that, I will explain what insight I myself have attained from the Scripture and the words of Chazal.
This mitzvah is not too difficult for us nor is it far off, for the matter is very near to us; let us now go over and see the Good Land.
(For the next chapter of “The Land I Will Show You,” click here.)
The Hebrew book is available for purchase from me directly, in Judaica stores, and online, here:
