The Uniqueness of the Land of Israel
The land of Israel -- Eretz Yisrael -- is favored by HaShem over all the other lands. What is the unique quality of Eretz Yisrael? Certain plants thrive better in one place than another, just as certain minerals, gems, or animals are indigenous to one country and not another. So too, the great holiness of Eretz Yisrael and its special nature makes it conducive to produce prophets and righteous people. Indeed, the outstanding qualities of Eretz Yisrael are evident in the People of Israel, who are the heart and essence of all nations. The Land of Israel produced Avraham, Yitzhak, and Yaacov as well as countless other spiritual luminaries.
Lesson: The treasured nation of Israel attains their spiritual excellence through the blessing of the Land of Israel.
Visualization: Envision Avraham Avinu leaving his birthplace, Haran, and traveling to Eretz Yisrael. Only when he arrived there, did he merit to enter a covenant with HaShem, attain prophecy, and merit to have Yitzhak. If Eretz Yisrael had the power to elevate Avraham Avinu -- a lone individual -- how much more is this great spirituality awakened when the "people of HaShem" live in the Land of Israel. (Based on the Kuzari 2:15, 16)
*New printing of the Salant Foundation's "Ohr Yisrael": Click Here
*To schedule a ten-minute phone consultation with Rabbi Zvi Miller, send email to salantorg@gmail.com |
