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We have seen that monotheism, Torah, and mitzvot are best put into practice when the Jewish people are living in the Land of Israel. Hence the great value assigned to the mitzva of settling the Land. The Sages go so far as to tell us that living in the Land is the equivalent of keeping all the mitzvot of the Torah. Included in this mitzva is Jewish settlement and Jewish sovereignty. The Land may not be left desolate or in the hands of another nation. As it says, “And you shall take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have assigned the land to you to possess. You shall divide up the land…” (Numbers 33:53-54).
Since the Land is holy and there is a mitzva to settle it, anyone who contributes to Israel’s development and advancement is fulfilling the mitzva of settling the Land. This includes all those involved in improving agriculture, building homes, paving roads, developing industry and business, doing academic research, beautifying the cities, cleaning the streets, and cultivating the gardens. It also includes those involved in Israel’s educational system, the justice system, the welfare system, the healthcare system, and the arts. All are important participants in the mitzva of settling the Land. This mitzva is unique in imbuing all aspects of human life with value and elevating them to mitzva status.
