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Does G-d care where I live?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

  

Library » Israel » Holy Land | Subscribe | What is RSS?

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1. Every Jew is commanded to live in the Land of Israel, and according to Nachmanides (Numbers 33:53) this Mitzvah is counted as one of the 613 commandments. There is, however, disagreement amongst Halachic authorities whether this mitzvah is still in effect since the Holy Temple was destroyed and we were exiled from the land of Israel.


Most authorities seem to agree that although we are currently not obligated to live in the Land of Israel, one who lives there is certainly fulfilling a great mitzvah.


2. Someone who lives outside of the Land of Israel but is in a position where he/she is a positive influence on others, helping them in studying Torah or doing Mitzvot, it is his obligation to stay in his community and continue with this holy work. It is inappropriate to fulfil a (non-obligatory) mitzvah if it can have a negative affect on others.


3. If one cannot live in the Land of Israel, there is no geographical preference where s/he should live. What is essential is to live in a place that is conducive for Jewish life, practice, education and community.


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Living in Israel

Posted by: Jamie Gordon on Feb 11, 2006

Wow! I didn't know it was a commandment to live in Israel.

That explains why there will be "the gathering of Israel" before the comming of the Messiah. When all jews will gather to the holy land to receive him.

Thats very interesting :)

Jae
Mitzvah
(pl. Mitzvot). A commandment from G-d. Mitzvah also means a connection, for a Jew connects with G–d through fulfilling His commandments.
Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Halachic
Pertaining to Jewish Law.
Mitzvot
Plural form of Mitzvah. Commandments of G-d. Mitzvah also means a connection, for a Jew connects with G–d through fulfilling His commandments.
Temple
1. Usually a reference to the Holy Temple which was/will be situated in Jerusalem. 1st Temple was built in 825 BCE and was destroyed in 423 BCE. The 2nd Temple was built in 350 BCE and was destroyed in 70 CE. The 3rd Temple will be built by the Messiah. 2. A synagogue.