Why is there such an emphasis in the Bensching (blessings after a meal) on thanking G‑D for the Land of Israel?

The mitsva to bensch after food is learned out from this week’s sidra. However the seven choice items of produce listed, including wheat and barley from which bread is made, are products which the Torah clearly identifies particularly with Erets Israel. “For G‑D your G‑D is bringing you into a good land… of wheat, barley, vines, figs, pomegranates, oil-filled olives and dates” (Deut 8:7-8). Moreover the subsequent verse giving rise to the mitsva proclaims: “So eat, be satisfied and bless G‑D your G‑D for the good land which he has given you” (8:10).

Unlike the mitsva of prayer – also learned out from a verse in this week’s........

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