When this great Torah and Talmud commentator came to Eretz Yisrael in the year 5027 (1267), he found a desolate land and prayed for its restoration. This is what he wrote to his family:

“What can I tell you about the land other than that it is barren and desolate? In general, that which is most sacred is most desolate. Yerushalayim is the most desolate of all; there are virtually no Jews in it — only two brothers who are dyers who are joined by other Jews in the vicinity for a minyan on Shabbat.”

Despite this gloomy report, Ramban concludes with the prayer that He Who gave me the privilege of seeing Yerushalayim in its desolation will give me the privilege of seeing it in its restoration when the Divine Presence returns to it.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu