Thursday, February 5, 2026

Are Jews called to move to Israel?

I've been listening to various religious Jewish leaders discuss why -- or why not -- they believe Jews should move to Israel. Many call the return to Israel a "mitzvah" -- a command from God, referring to the  Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament written by Moses), beginning at Deuteronomy 30:3: "then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors. The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live."

These two leaders do a good job debating this issue--especially with American Jews: 

I liked their discussion on the ways (attraction versus promotion) to reach Jews--and Christians--with the message. 


I am currently trying to understand this article:

Parshat Shelach: Are We Required to Live in Israel? - Rabbi Fox on Parsha