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In addition, the very living in Israel itself is part of the definition of "religious", for "living in Israel is equated with the rest of the mitzvot" (Tosefta, Avoda Zara 5, 2)! Also, most of the mitzvot can only be done in Israel (Maharal, Gur Aryeh on Breishit 1, 1), so one cannot divide between Torah and Israel. Even the mitzvot that CAN be observed abroad (such as T’filin, M’zuza, Shabbat) have a qualitative difference when done in the Holy Land (Devarim 5, 28; 6, 1; Sifre Ekev 43 ,Ramban Vayikra 18, 25). The Chafetz Chaim (L’Ntivot Yisrael, p.202) says that the very same mitzva when done outside of Israel, brings only 5% of the spiritual benefit one receives for its observance in Israel, where it is meant to be done. Accordingly, there's no such thing as being really religious outside of Israel, and "whoever lives out of Israel has no G-d" (Ketuvot 110).
The question you posed once was almost a practical one, when, at the beginning of the State of Israel, it was run by the anti-religious, and to a certain extent, it used to be easier to be religious abroad. This is not only outdated, but I'm not sure it was ever correct. There is a common condescending stereotype prevalent among Jews in America (and so I admittedly thought as a child), that Israelis are less religious. This slanderous generalization (probably carried over from the days when Mapai ruled the country, or based upon negative association with yordim- Israelis who left the country, usually in pursuit of economic prosperity- who are by no means whatsoever representative of Israeli society, or perhaps simply as a result of a disappointing comparison with a wishful, utopian Holy Land) is often mentioned for those looking for an excuse not to make Aliyah. This misrepresentation is nothing short of laughably outdated (if it was ever true at all) in today’s Israel where most of the army’s front-line soldiers, 45% of the officer’s wear kipot and MOST of the GOVERNMENT IS religious. Aside from the many communities in Israel which are 100% orthodox (as compared to Monsey, Williamsburg, and Boro Park which have MANY non-religious and even many GENTILES!), America or even New York will never come close to 1/4 of the citizens, or even the Jews being observant- much less have Judaism as the official religion (ask Mamdani…)! Whichever way you look, whether comparing religious leaders, communities, or on a state or surely a national level, whether measuring quantity, quality, or percentage, it is clear to all that religious life in Israel today is on all counts stronger and growing faster than anywhere else in the world. Thank G-d we have seen that from Zion already comes Torah and the word of G-d from Jerusalem (Yeshaya 2, 3), and "אין תורה כתורת ארץ ישראל", "There is no Torah like the Torah of the Land of Israel" (Sifre, beg. of P. Ekev). BH today there's clearly no reason to choose between Torah & Israel, so the question is like whether it's better to have a mother or a father, when one can really have both!
Even if there are individual fairly orthodox communities in America, there is a significant difference if one’s Jewish environment is NATIONAL or merely communal. It is clear from the Torah that the natural status of Am Yisrael is when we all live together in a Jewish State in Israel, as it was in the past (as is clear from the Tanach, the Second Commonwealth, and the Maccabean and Bar Kochva revolts) and as we are told will be from now on and forever. Not only your neighbors, but your language (Lashon Hakodesh), army (Tziv’ot Hashem), coin (Shekel HaKodesh), and even mud and rocks (Rambam, Hil. Milachim 5, 10) should be holy, as well. Only in Israel is it illegal to sell chametz on Pesach. Only in a Jewish State will a cook be sentenced to 28 days in jail for baking pizza in an army oven which is designated for meat! Only in a Jewish State are the radio commercials based upon the upcoming holidays, and the #1 song of this year on NATIONAL RADIO was "Hashem Yitbarach always loves me, "ויהי לי עוד יותר טוב..." !
Another point to consider: Just as the entire Jewish community in America unites in action if, G-d forbid, a Jewish child is missing or orphaned, if a Hasid is stabbed, or if a fire consumes a Jewish home, in our natural status in a Jewish State, every kidnapping or stabbing, every fire, or personal tragedy one hears about, is meant to unite us all in constant, non-stop chessed. How much more on a national level as it did after Simchat Torah 2 years ago. It is a difficult challenge but that is the framework the Torah clearly has in mind!
Also, our sages teach: (Tosefta, above) "It's better to live among idolators in Eretz Yisrael, than among religious Jews outside of Israel". This clearly infers that it's so important to be in Israel, even if it meant (years ago) endangering one's religiosity.
In addition, you can't say that "anyway Jews in Chu"l will eventually come to Israel", for one can't depend on Mashiach, for the fact is that the messianic era is trying to bring them to Israel already for many decades, but they have free-will, and stubbornly refuse to participate. In short, we should live the complete Judaism!
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
