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ISRAEL

The Central Role of the Land of Israel

 
The Question:Why does the Land of Israel play a central role in Judaism?
Choices:
  1. Israel was the location of most events in the Tanach (Pentateuch, Prophets and Writings).
  2. The Torah was given in the Land of Israel.
  3. Prophecy requires the Land of Israel.
Your Answer:Israel was the location of most events in the Tanach (Pentateuch, Prophets and Writings).

The Patriarchs and Matriarchs lived in Israel and were buried there. It was an intrinsic part of the covenant between G-d and Abraham. The books of Joshua, Judges, Kings and the Prophets center around events in Israel and the two Temples existed there for 830 years.

The Jewish people lived in Israel for over 1200 years and maintained a continuous presence even during Exile. Present renewal of Jewish life in Israel continues a 3,500 year connection between a people and their land.

Questions on Israel | The Exodus | Prophecy | Philosophy | Ethics | Kashrut | Shabbat
 
The Question:Why does the Land of Israel play a central role in Judaism?
Choices:
  1. Israel was the location of most events in the Tanach (Pentateuch, Prophets and Writings).
  2. The Torah was given in the Land of Israel.
  3. Prophecy requires the Land of Israel.
Your Answer:The Torah was given in the Land of Israel.

This is incorrect, the Torah was in fact given in the Sinai Desert, which is not part of Israel. The Torah was deliberately given in a desolate, uninhabited area to demonstrate that it does not belong to any one person.

It was also given before the Jews inherited Israel, as the purpose of receiving the land was the fulfillment of the Torah.

Questions on Israel | The Exodus | Prophecy | Philosophy | Ethics | Kashrut | Shabbat
 
The Question:Why does the Land of Israel play a central role in Judaism?
Choices:
  1. Israel was the location of most events in the Tanach (Pentateuch, Prophets and Writings).
  2. The Torah was given in the Land of Israel.
  3. Prophecy requires the Land of Israel.
Your Answer:Prophecy requires the Land of Israel.

Correct. Every country has unique spiritual characteristics. Israel is the land conducive to the development of prophecy.

All of the Prophets either received prophecies in Israel, or related to it. For example, Abraham's only prophecy outside Israel was the command to go there; Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel received their first prophecies in Israel, and their prophecies outside Israel were related to the Exile, and to the Return. (Kuzari)

Questions on Israel | The Exodus | Prophecy | Philosophy | Ethics | Kashrut | Shabbat




Written by Rabbi Moshe Newman & Rabbi Mordecai Becher
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