The Alshich commented on the general requirement to observe all of the commandments of the Torah. It is clear that one can truly live by these laws in the Land of Israel. We are to be aware of the negative influences while living among the Gentiles. There is even a law that tells us to avoid their practices. We should not act like the decadent Egyptians or follow the idolatrous ways of the Emorites. The Alshich further commented that doing the right thing and choosing to live in the “land flowing with milk and honey, would not necessarily be easy. There could be hardships in making ends meet. But it is a worthy choice of the spirit over the body, and leaving behind materialism and comforts, in order to strive for something higher. The Land of Israel is acquired with יסורין, or suffering. Anything of value has to be attained by way of hard work and making sacrifices. Fortunately, the Israel of today is very different from the Israel of the past. While there isn’t the same level of affluence as in the United States, people do live on a pretty high level. And there is no price that can be paid, in knowing that you are home and living with your Jewish family. The choice to observe all of the commandments, is a choice to do the right thing, no matter how difficult it is. Living in Israel is the right thing for every Jew. The spiritual rewards that are reaped, are boundless. This is the only place in the world where we can truly see the fulfillment of the verse, “You will be My people, and I will be your G-d.

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