Appreciating Israel

The קול התורה of Rabbi Elie Munk mentions that speaking badly about the Land of Israel, is a very severe sin. It represents being כפוי טובה, being ingrates to Hashem’s kindness.

This is especially true when we see this in the context of Jewish history. As Rabbi Berel Wein expressed this, “Jews would have crawled across Europe, if they knew that a homeland awaited them. The safety that Jews realize in Israel, after a long and bitter exile, is not something to take lightly.

Rabbi Munk further adds that the very fact that there are more Mitzvot that can be observed in Israel than outside of it, is enough of a reason to show reverence and appreciation for Eretz Yisrael. And if one can feel Hashem closer to him in Israel, why would a G-d fearing Jew, choose to live anywhere else.

Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook wrote that if one does not see Israel as an essential part of his religious observance, then he only has a superficial understanding of Judaism.

Parshat שלח is the time when we are to focus on both how special and fortunate we are to have Israel in Jewish hands. And it is also the time to point out how one must be careful not to speak negatively about our precious Land of Israel.