RAV MORGENSTERN YAM HACHOCHMA

Leaving Eretz Yisrael

– Excerpts from Nesiv Mitzvosechah
Shiur by Rav Y.M Morgenstern
25 Cheshvan 5785

  A recently published sefer containing the notes of Reb Shloime Veksler on Likutei Halachos discusses the halachos regarding leaving Eretz Yisrael. Reb Shloime elaborates extensively on the prohibition of leaving Eretz Yisrael according to halachah. He writes that, according to the opinion of the Ramban, even in modern times, there is a mitzvah to dwell in Eretz Yisrael. Many poskim hold that the halachah aligns with the Ramban, including the students of the Gaon of Vilna, the Sdei Chemed, the Chazon Ish, the Komarner Rebbe, and others, all of whom assert that leaving Eretz Yisrael is forbidden.

However, the Rama writes that one is permitted to leave Eretz Yisrael for the sake of fulfilling a mitzvah. For example, Rav Elyashiv would advise that, based on the Rama, one may travel outside Eretz Yisrael to attend a wedding, as it is considered a mitzvah. Similarly, traveling for parnassah is permissible, as is traveling for health reasons, as demonstrated by Rav Wosner, who would journey to Switzerland for medical treatment.

On the other hand, leaving Eretz Yisrael permanently is forbidden unless it is for one of the three reasons permitted by the Rambam: finding a spouse, learning Torah, or earning parnassah. Nowadays, the justification of learning Torah is less applicable since Torah is accessible in Eretz Yisrael. However, some poskim argue that teaching Torah is equivalent to learning and can justify temporary travel.

When someone leaves Eretz Yisrael, they should be mindful to fulfill these halachos. For this reason, when individuals inform me of their plans to travel outside Eretz Yisrael, I often advise them to deliver a shiur wherever they are going. This way, they fulfill the justification of leaving to teach Torah. According to the Satmar Rav, there is no prohibition against leaving Eretz Yisrael, but for those who follow the stricter opinion, teaching Torah provides a valid heter.

Giving a shiur is immensely valuable, especially in Chutz LaAretz. Even teaching just one or two individuals is a tremendous mitzvah. Those who give shiurim outside Eretz Yisrael are performing a critical service, bringing Torah to places where it is greatly needed.

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