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Why are Jews not in Israel??

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Rabbi Ari Shvat

Elul 18, 5772
Question
ShalomRabbi, Hashem gives the Land of Israel as the portion of the Jewish people. For a very long time Jews could not live there. Now, the situation has changed, however Jews are still living in U.S, intermarrying and embracing Zehn Buddism. Why are they doing this? why are they ignoring the commandment to live in Israel?
Answer
Although your question is correct, and thatโ€™s why I, and millions of other Jews have moved to the Land of Israel, nevertheless, one must admit that objectively, itโ€™s not easy to move to the other side of the world (even if itโ€™s yourโ€™s, itโ€™s still new for you!), learn a new language (ibid), a new culture (ibid), etc. Similarly, itโ€™s not easy to observe the Shabbat, and we must be patient towards those who donโ€™t yet, while at the same time, try and convince them and show them the beauty and spirituality of what theyโ€˜re missing. So too, one must pleasantly rebuke, and try and convince all Jews to live here, but as always, give the benefit of the doubt to those who, temporarily, lack the fortitude to make the move. All significant change involves โ€œfear of the unknownโ€, nevertheless, an idealistic and thinking person wonโ€™t let that fear prevent him from doing that which he really wants to and believes in. The redemption is a slow but sure process, which we can and should hasten, but even at the present rate, we know that itโ€™s clearly underway. With Love of Israel, Rav Ari Shvat
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