“I pleaded with G-d … ‘let me cross [the Jordan]. Let me see the good land across the Jordan the good mountain and the Lebanon.
(Devarim 3:23 25)
Rashi: “The good mountain” refers to Jerusalem. “And the Lebanon” refers to the Beis HaMikdash.
In addition to the mitzvah of settling Eretz Yisrael there is the concept of acquiring a portion in Eretz Yisrael — making Eretz Yisrael yours. This is similar to acquiring a portion in the World to Come. In order to receive such a portion of the Land one needs to recognize the greatness of the Land. (Rav Chaim Shmulevitz Sichos Mussar)
Eretz Yisrael.
For thousands of years Jews carried Eretz Yisrael with them in the treasure chest of their dreams. In the heavy rains of Europe they longed for “Eretz Yisrael of the blue skies and heavenly cities.” In Yemen their eyes turned with yearning to the “Eretz Yisrael of the poems of Rav Shalom Sharabi.” From Persia to Canada they pined for “the holy alleyways and pure clods of earth.” Eretz Yisrael of the Mearas HaMachpeilah and the Makom HaMikdash … of the Kosel HaMaaravi of Hashem and His People …
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