Inherit the Land

One of the sources for the Mitzva of living in Israel, comes from פרשת מסעי. It is learned from the words, והורשתם את הארץ וישבתם בה, “You shall inherit the land and dwell in it.” There is also a hint here that only Eretz Yisrael may be conquered, and you may not conquer any other land.

This should have been the primary reason why Herzl’s alleged idea to settle Uganda, would have been against the Torah. It is fitting that during the Three Weeks we recognize that special connection between the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael. It is the only home for the Jewish people and it is inherently holy.

Rabbi Twerski wrote that even secular Jews have special merit, because they live in the holy environment of Israel and breath its holy air. He also told of a rabbi who became too old and sick to study. He felt compensated for every breath of Eretz Yisrael that he breathed.

Rabbi Nosson Finkel of the Mir Yeshiva once said Israel is one large ארון קדש, holy ark. “The air of Israel makes one wise.” “There is no Torah like the Torah of Eretz Yisrael.”

This is the appropriate time to show appreciation for Hashem giving us this great gift. It’s time for all Jews to fulfill the Mitzva of והורשתם את הארץ.