"You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you… I am the L-rd your G-d, Who has distinguished you from all the nations." (Vayikra 20:24)

These Divinely spoken words from this week's Torah portion serve as a timely reminder, as Israel prepares to celebrate its sixtieth birthday, that there is an inseparable connection between our ability to peacefully inherit our Promised Land and our determination to remain distinct in our beliefs and practices from all the nations.

To our deep regret there are many Jews in Israel who are tempted to imitate the non-Jewish world in matters of dress, entertainment and general culture. The Torah's warning that will be heard in synagogues throughout Israel and the world is that we will deserve Heavenly protection in the Land granted to us alone by G-d only if we maintain our distinctiveness as G-d's chosen people.

This is the only way we can inherit a peaceful Israel forever.

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