“V’horashtem es ha’aretz, vishavtem bah – And you shall possess the Land and you shall settle in it” (Bamidbar 33:52). This verse in Parshas Masei is the basis for the opinion that living in Israel is a mitzvah.
The Land of Israel is the most desirable of all lands. Hashem watches over the Land constantly and more closely than any other land. We thank Hashem in Birkat HaMazon for giving us a desirable, good, and extensive land. Living in the Land of Israel is considered a wonderful thing with many benefits as discussed in various sources. For example, the Gemara states that a person living in Eretz Yisrael has Hashem as their G-d, while those living outside Eretz Yisrael are considered like idolators. Additionally, walking four amos in Eretz Yisrael is believed to merit one the world to come, and living in Israel is said to result in the forgiveness of sins. It is even mentioned that if a spouse refuses to move to Israel, the other spouse can force them to move or divorce them.
However, the debate on whether living in Eretz Yisrael, known as yishuv ha’Aretz, is a mitzvah is ongoing. The Rambam did not include yishuv ha’Aretz as a mitzvah in his Sefer HaMitzvos, while the Ramban considered it one of the 613 mitzvos, a mitzvah directly from the Torah. The Ramban outlined four components of this mitzvah, which can be partially fulfilled even without physically residing in Israel.
There are exemptions and considerations to be taken into account when discussing settling in the Land of Israel, such as dangerous routes, financial constraints, marital situations, and the presence of one’s spiritual leader outside of Israel. Some view yishuv ha’Aretz as a voluntary mitzvah, meaning it is praiseworthy to do but not obligatory, similar to other examples like eating matzah during Pesach or wearing tzitzis.
Regarding the Three Oaths mentioned in the Gemara in Kesuvos, there are differing opinions on their applicability post-1948. While some believe the oaths no longer apply due to the diplomatic establishment of the State of Israel and the breaches of the other nations, others, like Satmar, still hold them relevant. Various reasons have been proposed to explain why the oaths may not be binding anymore, including the nature of the State of Israel’s creation, the actions of other nations, and differing interpretations of the Gemara’s intent.
Overall, the discussion on yishuv ha’Aretz and the Three Oaths continues to be a complex and nuanced topic within Jewish thought. The importance of Israel as a homeland and the potential mitzvah status of living there are subjects that require careful consideration and examination of sources and opinions.