- Family and Society
- Settling the Land of Israel
Halacha or Not?
Question
I recently recieved a daily halacha from a Rabbi who says that it is permissible to live outside of Israel, and describes why.
Is this correct? Is it an obligation or not? How does one respond to this?
Answer
As far as I know, everyone agree that living is Israel is a very big Mitzva, and the value of doing the Mitzvot in Eretz Yisrael is much bigger than doing them in the diaspora. Every G-d fearing Jew that wishes to increase his Mitzva fulfillment in quality and quantity should try to make Alyia. Just like people wear a garment with four corners in order to do the Mitzva of Tzitzit, though no one is obliged to wear such a garment, just for the Mitzva. A Jew should try just the same to make Aliya, even if he thinks there is no obligation to do so, since the fact he is in Israel will increase the value of his Mitzvot. Hence, there is no reason in debating if it's a Mitzva, and people are obliged to make Aliya or not, living in Eretz Yisrael is a very big Mitzva. Every Yare Shamaim who likes the Mitzvot has nothing to do in Chutz La'aretz. Every day he stays out of Israel it is as if he has no G-d (Ketubot 110:2), and is worshipping idols. And whoever lives in Eretz Yisrael is like on who has a G-d (ibid). One who lives out of Israel and detests the desired land is following the footsteps of the Meraglim.
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed

Are Haredim Working to improve the Halachic State- 3 Oaths
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tammuz 18, 5775

The Chalutzim and life-threatening danger
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Sivan 10, 5781

Returning property ownership in Israel to the 10 lost tribes
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 29, 5775

Is living in Jerusalem a mitzvah ?
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Elul 26, 5779

Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.

Length of Sleeves
15 Kislev 5763

Finding a Rav
4 Cheshvan 5763

One bracha or two
15 Kislev 5763

The Blessing of keeping The Laws of Niddah
15 Cheshvan 5763

Do non-Jews or non-Noahides go to heaven?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 7, 5779

Do non-Jews or non-Noahides go to heaven?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 7, 5779

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775

Giving Tzdaka with Right Hand
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 28, 5772
How to split expenses for a group event
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783
Praying with people placing Tefillin on forehead?
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783

Dairy mug and meat sponge
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Shevat 10, 5783
