Eretz Yisroel: Difference between revisions

# The Holy Land (Eretz HaKodesh)

The Land of Israel is first and foremost - the Chosen Land. "The Chosen Land," not because of any special quality within it. Rather because thus arose in His blessed will - to designate specifically this land - for Israel, even if the Land of Israel had no special quality - physical or spiritual, and there was no reason to connect the Land of Israel to the Jewish people.

The second aspect of the Land of Israel is its holiness, in which it is different and unique from all lands in its essential nature and level. This is already a logical reason for the land's importance.

And what is understood from what is explained there, is that what is special about the Land of Israel is that even the "land" is "Israel," meaning that even the earthiness and material ground within it will be permeated with holiness, not just the spirituality. Therefore, the land and its produce are subject to commandments and laws dependent on the land.[[File:יציאה מהארץ קליין.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe's response to his secretary Rabbi Binyamin Klein before his wedding, regarding his father's attendance (who lived in Jerusalem) at his wedding (which took place in New York): "Is there a halachic permission for this (to leave Eretz HaKodesh tivneh v'tikonein) according to Shulchan Aruch?"]]

== The Name "Land of Israel" ==

"Land" - that wanted to do its Creator's will. Israel - letters meaning "head for Me," which is G-d's wisdom.

By Jewish law, one may not leave the Holy Land except for healing, Torah study, seeing one's teacher, or business/livelihood. The Rashbam and Ramban debate whether this is because leaving deprives one of fulfilling land-dependent commandments or because of the land's inherent holiness.

Throughout the years, the Rebbe urged rabbis and community leaders not to abandon their communities to move to Israel.