In the rolling hills of Canaan, after decades of trials, exile from his homeland, deceit at the hands of Laban, the wrenching loss of Rachel, and reconciliation with Esau, Jacob yearned for peace. He had built his family, weathered storms, and returned to the land of his fathers. Who could blame him for seeking to dwell securely, to “settle” as the Torah describes in Genesis 37:1? Yet, this moment of intended tranquility became the threshold of greater upheaval: the sale of Joseph, descent into Egypt, and ultimately, the miraculous Exodus that revealed God’s power not just to Israel, but to the entire world. ‘This is none other than the House of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’ (Image created with AI)

Jacob’s story whispers a timeless truth: True settlement in the Land is not about retreating into comfort amid challenges. It is about aligning with a divine purpose that extends far beyond our borders. Today, as Jews return to Israel in fulfillment of ancient prophecies, we must affirm that living in the Land is no mistake. It is a commandment, a blessing, and a step toward redemption. Views that once questioned this, held by some groups in the diaspora, are evolving as the reality of our homeland draws hearts closer. But here’s the heart of the matter: Settlement without sanctuary risks missing the point. Like Ezra and the returnees from Babylonian exile, who wasted no time in restoring the altar and laying the Temple’s foundations despite opposition (Ezra 3), we are called to prioritize God’s House, a beacon not just for us, but for all nations.

Consider Joseph’s journey as a blueprint. Cast into servitude in a foreign land, he did not merely survive. He thrived, blessing every household he served: Potiphar’s, the prison warden’s, and........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)