Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 5

Hey there, friend! Ever feel like there's a place on Earth that just feels special? Maybe it’s where you grew up, a favorite vacation spot, or somewhere you’ve only dreamed of going. For many people, certain locations hold deep meaning, almost a spiritual pull.

Jewish tradition has a place like that, too: the Land of Israel. It’s not just a spot on the map; it’s woven into the very fabric of Jewish identity and spirituality. Today, we're going to peek into an ancient Jewish text that talks about why this land is so incredibly cherished, and what it means for us, even today. You might be surprised by how passionately it speaks about this special connection!

Context

Let's set the stage a little for our text today.

• Who wrote this? Our guide is a super-smart guy named Maimonides, often called the Rambam. He was a brilliant Jewish scholar, doctor, and philosopher.
• When did he write it? Maimonides lived way back in the 12th century, in medieval Egypt. Imagine a time before printing presses, when everything was copied by hand!
• What is this book? This text comes from his huge work called Mishneh Torah. Think of it like an encyclopedia of Jewish law, organized so people could easily understand and follow it. He wanted to make Jewish law accessible to everyone.
  • Mishneh Torah: Maimonides' big book of Jewish law.
• What's this part about? Our specific piece comes from a section called "Kings and Wars." Sounds intense, right? But it's not just about battles. It covers everything from how a good king should act, to rules about society, and yes, even the profound connection to the Land of Israel.
  • Eretz Yisrael: The Land of Israel.
  • Milchemet Mitzvah: A commanded war, for defense or a specific religious purpose.
  • Milchemet Hareshut: An optional war, for expansion or glory.
  • Diaspora: Jewish communities living outside the Land of Israel.

Text Snapshot

Here’s a little taste of what Maimonides has to say about the Land of Israel:

"Great sages would kiss the borders of Eretz Yisrael, kiss its stones, and roll in its dust. Similarly, Psalms 102:15 declares: 'Behold, your servants hold her stones dear and cherish her dust.' The Sages commented: 'Whoever dwells in Eretz Yisrael will have his sins forgiven as Isaiah 33:24 states: 'The inhabitant shall not say 'I am sick.' The people who dwell there shall be forgiven their sins.'"

(You can find the full text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Kings_and_Wars_5)

Close Reading

Let's unpack some of these powerful ideas.

Insight 1: Not Just a Place, But a Partner

Maimonides describes a truly profound connection to Eretz Yisrael. He tells us that "great sages would kiss the borders of Eretz Yisrael, kiss its stones, and roll in its dust." Can you imagine that? It’s not just a casual visit; it's a heartfelt embrace. This isn't just about patriotism or liking a nice view; it points to a deep, almost mystical spiritual bond.

Think about it: Do you have a favorite spot in the world? Maybe a grandparent’s house, a quiet park, or a special travel destination? When you think of that place, you might feel a warmth, a sense of belonging, or even a deep emotional pull. For these sages, Eretz Yisrael was that, but magnified to an incredible spiritual degree. The commentary by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz notes that this happened "when they arrived from abroad and entered the territory of Eretz Yisrael." It was a greeting, a moment of profound gratitude and connection upon re-entering a sacred space.

This connection suggests that the land itself is not just passive geography, but an active partner in our spiritual lives. It's almost like the land has a soul, and it responds to our presence and our devotion. It's a place where the spiritual energy is so strong, it literally calls to you, inviting you to connect with it on a visceral level. It's a relationship, not just a location.

Insight 2: Forgiveness and Connection – A Spiritual Perk!

Then Maimonides drops a real bombshell: "Whoever dwells in Eretz Yisrael will have his sins forgiven." Wow! That's a pretty big claim, right? It doesn't mean you can just move there and suddenly be perfect, or that you don't need to try to be good anymore. Rather, the tradition understands this in a more nuanced way.

The commentary helps us here. Rabbi Steinsaltz explains that "The inhabitant shall not say 'I am sick.' The people who dwell there shall be forgiven their sins," means that "The inhabitant of the land will not suffer from his ailments, because the Holy One, blessed be He, bears his iniquity and forgives him." It’s like being in a spiritual environment so pure and holy that it helps you shed burdens. It's not a magical "get out of jail free" card, but rather that living in this special land creates an atmosphere conducive to spiritual growth and connection with G-d. The very air, the very earth, helps you align yourself with holiness, making forgiveness and atonement more accessible.

Think of it like this: If you want to get really good at basketball, you'd probably want to live near a great court, maybe even next to a fantastic coach! You'd be immersed in that world. Similarly, Eretz Yisrael is seen as a super-charged spiritual "court" or "gym," where being present and actively participating in life there naturally fosters a deeper connection to G-d and helps purify one's soul. It's about being in an environment that truly supports and encourages your spiritual journey, making it easier to grow and be forgiven.

Insight 3: The Power of Dwelling vs. Visiting (or Even Being Buried There)

Maimonides continues to paint a picture of the tiered spiritual value of Eretz Yisrael. He says, "Even one who walks four cubits there will merit the world to come and one who is buried there receives atonement." So, just taking a few steps in the land, or even being buried there after you've passed away, has spiritual benefits! That's pretty amazing.

However, he immediately clarifies: "There is no comparison between the merit of a person who lives in Eretz Yisrael and ultimately, is buried there and one whose body is brought there after his death." This tells us there's a huge difference between being in the land for a moment (or for eternity after death) and living there, day in and day out.

The commentary from Rabbi Steinsaltz on this point, "The merits of one who arrives in the land alive are greater than the merits of one who dies outside the land and is buried in the land," reinforces this idea. It's not just about the physical location; it's about the active engagement with that spiritual space throughout one's life.

It’s like the difference between visiting a museum, receiving a souvenir from the museum, and actually working in the museum every day. All three offer a connection, but the person who spends their life working there has a far deeper, more intimate experience and impact. For Maimonides, living in Eretz Yisrael, with all its challenges and opportunities, is the ultimate way to fulfill this spiritual connection. It's a full-time, immersive spiritual adventure! He even says it’s better to live in Eretz Yisrael in a city with mostly non-Jewish people than to live in the Diaspora (outside Israel) in a city with mostly Jewish people, emphasizing the unique holiness of the land itself.

Apply It

Okay, so what does all this mean for us today, especially if moving to Eretz Yisrael isn't in our immediate plans?

This week, let's try a tiny, doable practice to connect with this idea. Take just 30-60 seconds each day to simply think about Eretz Yisrael. You don't need to know much about it! Maybe you could:

1. Look it up: Spend a moment looking at a picture of a beautiful landscape in Israel online.
2. Ponder the idea: Just reflect on the concept of a land that holds such deep spiritual significance for so many people, for thousands of years.
3. Offer a silent thought: Send a silent wish for peace for its inhabitants, or simply acknowledge its special place in the world.

This isn't about moving mountains; it's about building a conscious connection, even from afar, to a place that plays a central role in Jewish spiritual life. It's a small way to open your heart and mind to the profound legacy our tradition describes.

Chevruta Mini

Here are a couple of friendly questions to get you thinking and chatting:

1. The text describes great sages kissing the very dust of Eretz Yisrael. Do you have a place, any place at all (could be a childhood home, a favorite park, a grandparent's kitchen), that holds a special, almost sacred feeling for you? What makes that place feel so deeply meaningful?
2. The idea that dwelling in Eretz Yisrael helps with the forgiveness of sins is really powerful. How do you understand the connection between a physical place and spiritual growth or atonement? Does that concept resonate with you, or does it feel like a totally new idea?

Takeaway

Remember this: Jewish tradition sees the Land of Israel not just as geography, but as a living, breathing partner in our spiritual journey, offering unique opportunities for connection and growth.