As Yaakov Avinu prepares to leave this world, he asks his sons to bury him in Eretz Yisrael, ensuring that his final resting place reflects the eternal bond between the Jewish people and their homeland. 

Yaakov’s strong demand from his son, to make sure he will be buried in Israel, has inspired countless of Jews in all times from all over the world to wish to be buried in Israel.

 However, Yaakov’s request is not just about burial; it carries a deeper lesson about the centrality importance of living for the land of Israel.

Living for the Land of Israel means building it, nurturing it, and allowing it to fulfill its purpose as the spiritual and national home of the Jewish people. Yaakov Avinu’s request to be buried in Israel is a reminder of the land’s sanctity, but his greater legacy lies in his blessings to his sons. These blessings are tied to their future in Eretz Yisrael—how they will settle the land, develop it, and create a society rooted in Torah and holiness.  

The ultimate dedication to Eretz Yisrael is not in the sacrifices we make for it but in the lives we build for it. It is about raising families steeped in its values, creating communities that reflect the ideals of justice and compassion, and ensuring the land becomes a beacon of light for the Jewish people and the world.  

Yaakov’s vision challenges us to embrace a mindset of life and growth. Just as his blessings to his children pointed toward their future in Israel, we are called to focus on how we can actively contribute to the land’s flourishing. Whether through education, innovation, spirituality, or social action, we live for Israel by bringing its potential to life.  

The phrase “טוב למות בעד ארצנו” (“It is good to die for our land”) is famously attributed to Yosef Trumpeldor, a hero of the Zionist movement. It reflects the profound sacrifices made by generations of Jews who fought to secure and protect Eretz Yisrael. While this sentiment is noble, it leaves us with an even more inspiring challenge: “טוב לחיות בעד ארצנו” (“It is even better to live for our land”).  

May we take inspiration from Yaakov Avinu’s legacy and the heroic sacrifices of those who came before us. Let us remember that while it is honorable to die for the Land of Israel, it is even more profound to live for it. Through our actions, we ensure that Israel remains a living, thriving center of Jewish life and purpose for generations to come.

Shabbat Shalom,

Elisha and the JET Team