Rabbi Zev Leff, Chief Rabbi of Moshav Matityahu speaks about the Biblical Patriarch Abraham in a series of important mainstream rabbonim hailing from English-speaking communities abroad who have moved to Israel on Aliyah, who have agreed to speak on camera about this mitzvah and its importance.
The series – and the organization – is entitled, ‘Bring Them Home.’
In this video, Rabbi Leff discusses the 10 tests of Abraham, which he says, “created a reservoir of power for every Jew in every generation to draw from” and from which he says he “was able to muster the power and courage to leave his friendly surroundings” and move to the Land of Israel.
As a result, says the rabbi, “every Jew has that reservoir of strength that he created to call upon, to do likewise,” although there are, he acknowledged, mitigating circumstances that may mean the mitzvah may be carried out by one’s children or grandchildren instead.
“Especially now in our time, when we have the opportunity to come and live in Eretz Yisrael, which our ancestors did not have for hundreds of years – had they had it, they would have come here and FLOCKED here – so we should take advantage of the tremendous present the Ribbono Shel Olam (Master of the Universe) gave us.
“And also the state of affairs in medinas Yisrael (state of Israel) is one where every religious Jew – every Jew who is a shomer Torah Mitzvahs – adds to the quality of religious life in Eretz Yisrael and adds to the fact that we’ll be able to make this country a really Jewish Torah state, and not one just Israel in name alone.
“So if you’re still in chutz l’aretz, (living abroad) consider coming here,” Rabbi Leff urges in the video. “There are many organizations that will help you, that will guide you, both make the decision, and be able to bring it to fruition. Hatzlocha!(Success!)”