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Notable Sources
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God's Watchful Eye Over the Land
TANAKH
The land of Israel is under the constant and special care of God, who watches over it from the beginning of the year to its end. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses emphasizes the unique relationship between God and the land of Israel, highlighting its dependence on the spiritual state of its inhabitants.
The Mystical Layers of the Land
KABBALAH
The Zohar offers a mystical and cosmological perspective on the land, revealing its multiple layers and unique inhabitants, and drawing parallels between the earthly and heavenly realms. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, explores the esoteric dimensions of the land and its connection to the divine.
The Hidden Motives of the Spies
MIDRASH
The spies sent by Moses had personal motives and wicked intentions, aiming to retain their power by dissuading the people from entering the Promised Land. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, offers a narrative synthesis of Jewish folklore and biblical stories, including the episode of the twelve spies.
Cyrus and the Return to Jerusalem
SECOND TEMPLE
Cyrus, the Persian king, played a pivotal role in fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy by allowing the Jewish people to return to their land and rebuild the Temple. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, recounts this significant event in his work, highlighting the divine influence and Cyrus's admiration for the prophecy.
The Miraculous Journey of the Spies
MUSAR
The miraculous journey of the spies underscores the importance of recognizing divine intervention in the conquest of the land. Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz, in his 17th-century work, explores the biblical episode of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan.
Divine Justice and Dominion
MIDRASH
The dominion of rulers over lands is not just a matter of historical record but also a reflection of divine justice and the consequences of their actions. The medieval midrash Esther Rabbah explores the theological significance of King Ahasuerus's empire, comparing it to other rulers and reflecting on divine justice.
Reviving Jewish National Aspirations
JEWISH THOUGHT
The revival of Jewish national aspirations and the emergence of modern political and cultural Zionism were transformative responses to anti-Semitism and assimilation. Eliezer Berkovits, in his work written during the Holocaust, discusses the necessity of Jewish sovereignty in Eretz Israel to fulfill the Jewish mission of establishing a model righteous nation.
The Wisdom of the Sacred Land
CHASIDUT
The atmosphere of the Land is believed to bestow wisdom due to the divine attention it receives. Rabbi Nathan of Breslov, in his collection of prayers, emphasizes the unique spiritual and intellectual benefits derived from the Land.
The Perils of Premature Action
TARGUM
The story of the Ephraimites teaches the importance of waiting for divine timing and the consequences of acting prematurely. The Aramaic Targum to Song of Songs offers an interpretive translation and commentary, referencing the biblical story of the spies and the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
Longing for the Homeland
LITURGY
The longing for a return to the ancestral homeland and the restoration of the Temple is a central theme in Jewish prayer and identity. The Musaf service for Yom Kippur, recited during the additional service on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, reflects themes of repentance and the yearning for the rebuilding of the Temple and the ingathering of Jewish exiles.
The Legalities of Land Transactions
MISHNAH
Understanding the legal and practical details of land transactions is crucial for ensuring fair and clear agreements. The Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the early third-century land of Israel, provides detailed guidelines on the sale and division of land, including responsibilities and measurements.
The Ancestral Burial Plot
TANAKH
The cave in the field of Machpelah is not just a burial site but a legally acquired ancestral plot, emphasizing the importance of land ownership and heritage in Jewish tradition. The book of Genesis details the transaction between Abraham and Ephron the Hittite, establishing the cave of Machpelah as a significant and legally owned burial site for the patriarchs.
The Inspiration of Galilee
COMMENTARY
The poetic and emotional connection to the land of Galilee portrays it as a source of inspiration and creativity through its natural beauty and spiritual significance. This text reflects the deep historical and spiritual connection Jews have with the land of Israel, particularly the region of Galilee.
Interpreting Property Sales
GUIDES
The interpretation of property sales can significantly impact the rights of the buyer and the legal understanding of land transactions. Tractate Bava Batra delves into the complexities of property law, including the nuances of sales, gifts, and consecration of land.
Agricultural Laws of the Shemitah Year
TOSEFTA
The Shemitah year imposes unique agricultural laws that affect planting and maintaining crops and trees. The Tosefta, an ancient collection of rabbinic laws and teachings from the land of Israel, provides detailed guidelines on agricultural practices during the Shemitah year.
Acquiring Property from a Proselyte
TALMUD
The method of acquiring immovable property, especially in the case of a proselyte who dies without heirs, reveals the nuanced legal debates among the rabbis. Tractate Gerim, a minor tractate, explores the differing views of R. Eliezer and the Sages on whether physical possession is necessary to acquire property.
Property Transactions in Jewish Law
HALAKHAH
The process of acquiring property through money and the necessity of a deed of sale are key aspects of Jewish legal practice. In his 12th-century legal code of Jewish law, the Mishneh Torah, Maimonides outlines the conditions under which property can be acquired through money and when a deed of sale is necessary.
Jewish National Fund (J.N.F.) stamp - 80 mil. Inscription: "50th anniversary of the Jewish National Fund". Inscription on tab: "...the land shall not be sold for ever..." Leviticus 25, 23. Issued: June 24, 1951, : Israeli postage stamp catalog, Catalog Number: 70, Designer: Wind-Struski.
Jewish National Fund (J.N.F.) stamp - 80 mil. Inscription: "50th anniversary of the Jewish National Fund". Inscription on tab: "...the land shall not be sold for ever..." Leviticus 25, 23. Issued: June 24, 1951, : Israeli postage stamp catalog, Catalog Number: 70, Designer: Wind-Struski.
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