Shlach 5786 – Ze Land is Good Very Very

Everything in life has pros and cons—ups and downs, arguments for and against. Making Aliyah is very much one of those decisions that is never 100% clear-cut in either direction.

The Spies were a classic example of how biases and preconceived notions can lead to negative conclusions. As the Gemara tells us, their mouths came before their eyes. They had some valid reasons to want to remain in the Midbar: receiving manna daily and being able to devote their full energies to lofty spiritual pursuits. However, Hashem’s plan was otherwise.

There is a fascinating Gemara (Kesubos 75a) in which the Amoraim in Bavel wistfully comment about their counterparts in Eretz Yisrael. Abaye says that one Israeli is equal to two Chutzniks. Rava responds that one of us—Babylonians—who makes Aliyah is better than two of them.

The Maharal points out that the math doesn’t seem to work. Why is it that when a person makes Aliyah, they effectively quadruple in stature? He explains that because the air of Eretz Yisrael fosters wisdom, the Amoraim in Bavel had to work harder to overcome a lack of clarity in order to achieve their level of Torah greatness. Naturally, those in Eretz Yisrael still had an advantage—“double speed,” so to speak. However, when a Chutznik brings the skills developed through struggle in Bavel and combines them with the clarity of Eretz Yisrael, the result is exponential growth.

There are many factors to consider when thinking about Aliyah. Recently, I received a call from a potential olah chadasha to discuss her tax position were she to make the move. It took me an unusually long time to realize that the crux of her concern was what would happen when the 10-year tax exemption period ends. I felt compelled to gently explain that, as a young single woman with her life and career ahead of her, the decision to make Aliyah should be based on a broad range of values—not on a relatively minor potential tax liability more than a decade in the future.

May we be blessed to recognize the opportunities of this land, which, as Kalev said, after all is said and done, is very, very good.

For any Aliyah related or other financial issues you require assistance with please reach out at [email protected].

Good Shabbos.