QUESTION:
1) If my children are fine to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael, and I can find good yeshivos and schools for them there, does the Rav think that it’s actual ratzon Hashem to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael? Or is it just that it’s “permitted” to go to Eretz Yisrael under those conditions? 2) Also, my wife thinks it’s irresponsible to pick up and move to Eretz Yisrael and she doesn’t really believe that my kids are really fine with moving to Eretz Yisrael – she thinks that the kids don’t really know what they want. However, she is ready to accept the Rav’s ruling on this matter. 3) If we’re really supposed to be making aliyah to Eretz Yisrael must we move right now or can we wait until the end of the school year, so that my kids won’t lose out on a school year? 4) And, if we are supposed to be making aliyah to Eretz Yisrael, what is the reason for it? Is it because it’s physically dangerous for a Jew to live in chutz l’aretz during these times, or is it because we need to be in Eretz Yisrael when Mashiach comes? Is it just a personal ruling given to us? Does it have to do with the mitzvah of yishuv Eretz Yisrael?
ANSWER:
1) It is the ratzon Hashem. That is what HaGaon R’ Chaim Kanievksky shlit”a rules for anyone who asks him about this.
2) [Regarding your wife:] She needs to be strong in her emunah (faith) in Hashem and in having bitachon in Hashem (to feel reliant on Him). When she will feel that she is on that level, it is then appropriate for you to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. The Sages taught that Eretz Yisrael is acquired only with suffering. For that reason, making aliyah to Eretz Yisrael requires emunah and bitachon in Hashem.
3) Make the decision now that you will move at the end of the school year when your children are finished their studies. Rabbeinu Yonah says that when you resolve that you will do something, it is considered as if you are already doing it right now.
4) There is [currently] not enough physical danger [in chutz l’aretz] according to halachah that would be enough to obligate you in moving to Eretz Yisrael. However, it is still proper to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael [even when you are not obligated]. And, yes, it is for the reasons you mentioned [to be in Eretz Yisrael when Mashiach arrives, and also because it will be good for you personally]. As for the mitzvah of dwelling in Eretz Yisrael, according to some views it is a Biblical mitzvah today, and especially because of the holiness of Eretz Yisrael there is reason to live there.
2) [Regarding your wife:] She needs to be strong in her emunah (faith) in Hashem and in having bitachon in Hashem (to feel reliant on Him). When she will feel that she is on that level, it is then appropriate for you to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. The Sages taught that Eretz Yisrael is acquired only with suffering. For that reason, making aliyah to Eretz Yisrael requires emunah and bitachon in Hashem.
3) Make the decision now that you will move at the end of the school year when your children are finished their studies. Rabbeinu Yonah says that when you resolve that you will do something, it is considered as if you are already doing it right now.
4) There is [currently] not enough physical danger [in chutz l’aretz] according to halachah that would be enough to obligate you in moving to Eretz Yisrael. However, it is still proper to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael [even when you are not obligated]. And, yes, it is for the reasons you mentioned [to be in Eretz Yisrael when Mashiach arrives, and also because it will be good for you personally]. As for the mitzvah of dwelling in Eretz Yisrael, according to some views it is a Biblical mitzvah today, and especially because of the holiness of Eretz Yisrael there is reason to live there.
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