Avraham and Eretz Yisrael

Parshat לך לך very strongly emphasizes our connection with Eretz Yisrael. Several times Avraham Avinu is promised that this land is meant exclusively for the Jewish people. Avraham sensed that there was special קדושה that existed only in Israel. He knew the Yeshiva of Shem and Eiver was there as well as many sacrifices being offered there. The important lesson that Avraham understood was that without the Land of Israel, the Jewish people could not achieve its national unity or realize its Messianic calling without Israel. Judaism consists of three major components: Torat Yisrael, Am Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael. The Torah, the people of Israel, and the Land, are inseparable. It is unnatural for the Jewish people to be outside their land. Avraham understood this and it was his hope that his descendants would understand this for all time.