By: Yisrael Yitzchak Rosenfeld
A Jew once approached Rav Kook seeking advice regarding Aliyah (immigration to Israel).
He explained his considerations about moving to Eretz Yisrael. Outside of Eretz Yisrael, the man said, he owned a factory and enjoyed a secure income; however, if he were to move to the Holy Land, he did not know how he would earn a livelihood.
He continued weighing the pros and cons, carefully examining his options.
Rav Kook interrupted him.
Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael, the rabbi explained, stands above all logic and calculations (cheshbonot).
This is already evident in the details of the very first Aliyah:
Before they could enter the land, the Children of Israel (Bnei Yisrael) had to defeat Sichon, the king of Cheshbon (whose name literally means “calculation”).
Only after overcoming “calculation” could they enter the Holy Land, for Eretz Yisrael is above all calculations.
It is a “wonderland”—to use both the language of the Zohar and Lewis Carroll.
We must not allow short-term considerations to divert us from our eternal destiny.
We must leave behind not only financial calculations, but also concerns about status and honor.
My chavruta knows many rabbis who were major figures in the United States, but in Eretz Yisrael became simply “Moshe,” “Ari,” and “Chaim.”
These rabbis avoided falling into the same trap as the spies; in doing so, they merited to understand the secret that a name is always greater than a title.
A title can be lost, but a name cannot!
May we all merit the ability to rise above our own calculations!
