- Family and Society
- Redemption and The Temple
- Ways of Redemption
282
Question
It seems like religious-zionism narrows the kingdom of G-d down to one small plot of land, while in reality, He fills the universe!
Answer
Shalom. Your question isnโt on religious Zionism but on Judaism and the Bible itself, and not just regarding the Holy Land. You can similarly ask, if all of life is meant to be holy, why does G-d grant the Shabbat (Sabbath) special holiness? If all people are meant to be holy why is Israel the Chosen, and within Israel, why are the Kohanim (priests) blessed with an additional holiness? Just as every generation needs leaders and teachers to set an example and influence the others, similarly G-d chose to concentrate Himself more, as if it were, in one day, one people, and one land more than others, and that โconcentrateโ is meant to set an example, set the tone and influence the others. So โG-d chose Zion, He desired it for His habitation, This is My resting place forever, here will I dwell for I have desired itโ (Tehilim 132, 13-14), โFor G-d has chosen Yaโakov for Himself, Israel for his special/treasured possessionโ (ibid 135, 4). Thatโs why the mitzvot were commanded to be done by Israel in Israel (Dvarim 6, 1; Sifre Ekev 43). Just as when a gentile lays tefillin (phylacteries) or eats matzah on Passover, itโs not the same as when a Jew does the same action, so too, the Chafetz Chaim says that the same mitzvah when done in Israel is worth 20 times (!) more than if done abroad (LโNtivot Yisrael, p.202). Similarly, there is only prophecy in the Land of Israel or for her sake.
With Love of Israel,
Rav Ari Shvat

Moshiach
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 13, 5782

Return of the Dead via Rolling Tunnels
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 20 Shevat 5767

Mashiah
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 17, 5782

Mashiach: Relationship with Edom/Esau
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 24 Adar 5766

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kookโs archives.

Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771

A Day is a thousand years
Adar I 23, 5771

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771

Goyim at Shul/hashkafah of Shul
Adar II 1, 5771

Accidently Eating Treif/Chametz
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 8 Sivan 5765

Reading on a fast without 10 fasting
Various Rabbis | 12 Shevat 5767
married woman kissing a brother
Rabbi Gideon Weitzman | Cheshvan 12, 5782

Music during the 3 weeks
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 17, 5773

Mezuzah
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 4, 5785

Question Bava Basra 2a
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tammuz 7, 5785

Dishwasher
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 27, 5785
