Rambam In-Depth: When Leaving The Holy Land Is Actually REQUIRED! (The Answer Will Shock You)
🕊️ THE 3-MINUTE HALACHIC MIND-BENDER 🕊️
Can you leave Eretz Yisrael or not? The Rambam says NEVER… except for 2 things. But wait—what about honoring your parents?!
The Paradox: Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:9): You can NEVER leave Eretz Yisrael except to learn Torah or get married.
BUT the Gemara (Kiddushin 31b) talks about a sage leaving to greet his mother! So is kibbud av va’eim an exception or not?!
The Answer (From Likutei Sichot Vol. 25): When you leave TO BRING SOMEONE INTO Eretz Yisrael, you’re not really “leaving”—your entire purpose is Eretz Yisrael! It’s not about the action, it’s about the INTENTION.
The Proof: Even the malachim of Eretz Yisrael left to escort Yaakov back in! (See Rashi on Vayishlach)
🎯 Key Takeaway: Purpose determines category. When your goal IS Eretz Yisrael, temporarily going outside doesn’t count as “leaving.”
⏱️ Timestamps:
💡 Why This Matters: This principle applies to ALL of halachah—intention shapes reality!
📚 Sources:
- Rambam Hilchot Melachim 5:9
- Gemara Kiddushin 31b
- Likutei Sichot Vol. 25
- Rashi Bereishit 32:2 & 28:12
