Living in Israel Nowadays
Question
Hi! I know in the tanuch, it says that us Jewish people will return to the land of Israel. What does that mean for us Jews in the diaspora? Can we continue to live as Jews but not in Israel?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
The mitzva to live in Israel nowadays is deemed a “mitzva kiyumis” – an optional mitzva and not an “mitzva chiyuvis” – an obligatory mitzva.
One of the reasons for this ruling is that, although some disagree, the Rambam omits any mention of an obligation to live in the Land of Israel in his list of the 613 mitzvot. It is explained that the reason the Rambam does not include a mitzva to live in the Land of Israel in his count of mitzvot is because he is of the opinion that the obligation to live in Israel only applied in the days of Moshe, Yehoshua and King David. However, after the destruction of the Temple and the subsequent exile, the obligation to live in Israel no longer applies.
When the Messianic Era arrives, all Jews will be gathered from around the world and will be brought to the Land of Israel.