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Our Land

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The nations cannot understand why the Jewish people should have a land. “If it is G‑d and scriptures and heaven that you are all about,” they claim, “then why do you want a piece of earth? Is G‑d in a place? Will you find G‑d in settling land, in governing a country, in defending it? Make up your mind: Is it heaven you want, or earth?”

Those words, perhaps, are never said. They are quiet words, engraved within the human psyche. And they are the bias behind all their contentions with us: We don’t belong here, on earth, where they belong, playing by their rules. Because G‑d is in the heavens, and the earth belongs to humankind.

But this is the mission of the Jewish people: For all to see that the same G‑d in heaven is here within the earth, within all the endeavors of humankind. For there is nothing else but Him.

Beginning with that specific, well-defined, very special piece of earth to which our destiny is tied.

Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. To order Rabbi Freeman’s book, Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, click here.
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Discussion (24)
August 22, 2012
As Above So Below
The state of the physical land of Israel is a reflection of the success of the mission of the descendents of the patriarch, Abraham's group of people who attained the spiritual dimension through the method of correction.

The method of correction revealed by the sages teaches how to attract the Light that reforms our selfish egoistic relationships into an integrated network of altruism in all spheres of life.

There will only be fruits for all from our labour.
Brenda
Toronto, Canada
August 21, 2012
This land is mine...
Remember the words of the title song of Exodus?

This land is mine, God gave this land to me
This brave and ancient land to me
And when the morning sun reveals her hills and plain Then I see a land where children can run free...
The final words are "Until I die, this land is mine."

Although the nations may not understand why we MUST have the land, WE know that Hashem dwelt in the Temple in Jerusalem. The entire "West Bank" is Judea and Samaria; it was renamed the WB by a Jordanian king who unlawfully occupied the land back when Israel was re founded.
WHY the Israeli government has been giving land away for peace (which will never come to the region) to appease those Arabs who are called "Palestinians" is something that upsets me no end.
The Jerusalem Post used to be called the Palestinian Post, all of the official offices were called Palestinian. The only TRUE Palestinians were US until Arafat, an Egyptian, dreamed up the PLO. Bah.
Beverly Margolis-Kurtin
Hurst, TX
August 21, 2012
Where is G_d's 'Land', Israel?
God's Land, Israel, His territory is a state, a place that all humankind must aspire to.

We must all attain this place along our journey to reach equivalence of the quality of G_dliness, 'Israel' to love each other as we love ourselves.

Then we will all live in 'Israel' - the goal of Creation.

...The time is ready to see beyond the literal clothing to understand what G_d meant.
Brenda
Toronto, Canada
August 21, 2012
'Call A Spade A Spade'
The land of Israel belongs to the Jews, including most of the West Bank (if not all).
Lasarusa Yehuda Sovea Ben-Zion
Suva, Fiji Islands
August 21, 2012
Peace on to Israel
Kayo
August 21, 2012
Thank you..
for sharing this perspective... I wonder also whether what we are all looking for is a completed full circle of life, a reminder of what we had in this land and what we were seperated from and how, actually... in spirit... we are all one, joined together and united by the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe who enables us to walk in His footprints, with His will and His way... or without... May the veil be lifted soon. blessings all and peace be upon you with His love shared.
Michelle
June 15, 2011
Our Land
Israel belongs to G--d's Holy people,the Jews,and it will always be in their hearts and Jewish people will always strive to be there,as such a desire has been put there by G--d himself.Nothing will ever change that-it's exactly as G-d has planned and no amount of war or compromise or discussion will come to any good because it is all part of G-d's plan for the Jewish people,and indeed we that are Gentiles.I have great respect for the Jewish peoples andtheir beliefs.what a legacy to inherit,"G-d's chosen people"You all have my respect wherever in the world you may be.
ros
Manchester, England
January 3, 2011
definaition of the Earth
when it is seen and felf and understood that the landmass patriotism for Israel is due to a misconception that Isreal the state is something from G-d, the true meaning of Israel and the 'Earth' is found.

Earth is your actual body- the physical part that succums to desires not of our other 2 parts, soul and spirit.

If this is not understood, then the patriotism felt for the actual state of Isreal created by the UK and the USA 70 years ago is your mythology at best, the husk that keeps you hidden from the true G-d within.
Maat
December 1, 2010
The land of Israel
I am proud to be a Jewess, I am proud to be an Israeli & I am proud to live in Israel, with all its faults (as all countries have), it is the only country in the world for the Jews to live in.

Thank you for this amazing article.
Liz
Tel Aviv, Israel
March 28, 2010
Isael And The Palestinians
From what I have head, Israel is a secular nation. Most of the people are not religious. Only a few are orthodox Jews. Since they have been given a small portion of their original homeland in 1948 they have made the land beautiful and desirable once again. America has always defended and helped them agaist all odds. If we turn against them now it will spell our demise, unfortunately it seems our current gov. wants to do exactly that! May this never happen! They have been maligned and hated for no reason all over the world, why? Daily they have missles shot into their country from the so called Palestinians, and yet they, the Jews, are not the victims the world sees! The Palestinians were sent there by the Arab countries surrounding Israel and had no interest in the land until the Isrealites came back. Israel is our only real friend in the Middle Eas--the only democracy! Let us not turn against them now! It could mean our very survival according to Prophecy in the Bible!
Anonymous
Albq., NM, USA
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