Hashem gave us two gifts that are called a morashah (inheritance): the Torah and Eretz Yisrael
H
ashem gave us two gifts that are called a morashah (inheritance): the Torah and Eretz Yisrael. Curiously, despite the implication that both are eternal components of our heritage, Rav Meir Shapiro points out that throughout our national history, very few Jews have been able to experience Eretz Yisrael. In contrast, the yerushah of the Torah has been the foundation of our identity in every generation, accessible to almost every Jew who wishes to study it. Why has one inheritance been so much more readily available than the other? (Rabbi Ozer Alport, Parsha Potpourri)
“Mazel tov!” Despite the slight static of the long-distance phone call, I could hear the thrill in my friend Miriam’s voice as she poured out the details of her daughter Rina’s recent engagement. She’d waited for this for a few years, and I wanted to know all the details.
“So where are they going to live?” I asked.
“Well, that’s the thing,” Miriam’s voice got more subdued. “The chassan wants to start out in Eretz Yisrael and Rina’s fine with that.”
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