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Parshas Nitzavim 5785 & Rosh Hashana 5786

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כי יבעל בחור בתולה יבעלוך ... (ישעי' סב-ה)


   Yeshaya HaNavi discusses Eretz Yisroel and exclaims: “[Just] as a youth espouses a maiden, [so too] your sons (Klal Yisroel) shall espouse you (Eretz Yisroel).” Chazal explain that the image of a husband and wife is commonly used by the prophets to describe the relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisroel. Here, Yeshaya HaNavi focuses specifically on the joy at the renewal of this relationship - for just as a young man weds a maiden, so too Klal Yisroel will “wed” the Land of Israel. With comparable joy and enthusiasm, they will arrive to inhabit, build, and develop the land - like the gladness of a groom and bride just starting their lives together. But the Navi seems to use such a comparison for a specific reason. Why is that?

   R’ Yaakov Ashkenazi zt”l (Tze’enah Ure’enah) explains that in general, people to seek a mate who is comparable in age. This is because they have more in common and feel a closer connection than someone older or younger than themselves. Chazal often refer to Klal Yisroel as a youthful Nation, however the Land of Israel is an ancient land replete with historic history. Surely, such a match does not seem appropriate. Thus, based on the understanding of the Radak we can say that when gentile and heathen nations occupy the land, the land loses its vitality and portrays itself as an old and worn-out land. However, when inhabited by Hashem’s chosen people, the land becomes youthful and fruitful and can produce incredible things - a true match!

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