Spotlight on the Holy Land - Parshah Lech-Lecha

Parshah Lech-Lecha

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Israel, it seems, is always in the news. The Jewish homeland—on a daily basis—is the center of news reports, both positive and negative (usually the latter).

The question is, why? Why is it that a country the size of New Jersey, with a population of only seven million, commands more attention than nations much larger and more dominant in world affairs? What is so unique about the Jewish homeland that draws so much interest from all over the world?

Discover the answer in this week’s ParshahCast!

with Benny Rapoport

Rabbi Benny Rapoport is director of Chabad's Jewish Discovery Center in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. He has lived in the Scranton/Abington area with his wife and family since the fall of 2000.

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July 30, 2011

Lech-Lech

Thank you for this wonderful teaching. Yes, Israel Is called to be, and is, a light to the nations. G-d is there with her, He is her defense!

arielle
Schenectady, NY

November 7, 2009

First trip coming up

Shalom, Rabbi,

I am looking foward to my first trip (Melton) to Israel in March 2010.

My family was orthodox ... and so I remember when I was 10 my uncle's Joy and excitement after his 1948 visit to Israel.

Part of me feels as though I never left there ... and yet -- I've never been to that part of the world.

I pray for Peace ... and for a visit to Mount of Olives to 'see' my stepgrandfather who died in Israel on his first visit -- and his son, who died in the Twin Towers on 9/11, staying with his paraplegic friend.

Meira Shana
Vista, CA
chabadgn.com

October 28, 2009

Lecha-Lecha

Thank you for the timely report of Israel's historical importance. I'm looking forward to more, in the future.

L.W., Louisville, KY
Louisville, KY/USA

October 27, 2009

Lech Lecha

The population of Jews throughout the world is decreasing. This is frightening because our light among nations is growing dimmer. We need to do more outreach.

Rivkah
SI, NY

October 26, 2009

Lech-Lecha

Israel is a special place that can't be explained. I have traveled there three times and the feelings and emotions I have had there I have never had anywhere else. It is our homeland. That is the only rational reason I have come up with.

Anonymous
San Rafael, Ca