- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayeshev
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Rachel Bat Asher
3106
The Midrash appears to be a non sequitur. How does the fact that Ya’akov’s father and grandfather desired to live in Eretz Israel make someone who lives outside of Israel comparable to an idolator?
The Midrash is teaching us a fundamental lesson. To have dreams, desires, and priorities that are different from those of the many generations of Jews that came before us is tantamount to heresy. A good gauge of our commitment to true Torah values is the extent to which we yearn for that which our forbears yearned.
For centuries Jews worldwide prayed and yearned for the day that would herald the possibility of returning to Eretz Israel. If we do not long for the same, we are forsaking the value system of Judaism.
The Rambam in Hilkhot Melakhim 5:11 states: "The great Sages used to kiss the borders of Eretz Israel, kiss its stones, and roll around in its dust." In this "halakha" the Rambam is teaching us that we are supposed to develop a love for Eretz Israel. Just as those who came before us kissed its stones and rolled around in its dust, so too must we cultivate that love and yearning.
--------------------------
This is a weekly column contributed by Aloh Naaleh an organization devoted to motivating Jews to make Aliya.
Aloh Na'aleh POB 4337, Jerusalem 91042
Tel: 972-2-566-1181 ext. 320 ~ Fax: 972-2-566-1186
Email: [email protected]
The Dangers of Blind Love
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | 19 Kislev 5785

The Four Exiles
Parashat Vayeshev
Rabbi Sholom Gold

Don't use Excuses
Parashat Vayeshev
Rabbi Yoel Revivo | Cheshvan, 5763
Joseph and His Brothers
The Settlers and the Israeli Left
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed | Cislev, 5754

Firstfruits of the Wheat Harvest
Rabbi Adin Even-Yisrael (Steinsaltz) | 5764
Korbanot – The Passages of the Sacrificial Offerings
Chapter thirteen-part one
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | 5775

The War of the Kings and its Significance
Parashat Lech Lecha
Rabbi David Dov Levanon | 5762

Firstfruits of the Wheat Harvest
Rabbi Adin Even-Yisrael (Steinsaltz) | 5764

The Solution to 'Risky' Intellectual Topics
Ayn Aya, Shabbat v, 72
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 5785

Orchot Tzaddikim class 56, "Stay Quiet" i
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 5785
Daf Yomi Makkot Daf 13
R' Eli Stefansky | 23 Nisan 5785
