The source for the Mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael, Settling the Land of Israel can be found in Parshat Masei.

“Vehorashtem et HaAretz Viyashavtem Ba Ki Lachem Natati et HaAretz Lareshet Otah”,

“You shall inherit the land and you shall settle it for to you I have given the land to posses it”.

According to Ramban, Nachmanides, it is a Mitzvat Aseh, a positive commandment to live in the land of Israel and inherit it.

The mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael is actually made up of two components:

Lashevet Baaretz- to live in the land.

Liyashev et HaAretz- to settle the land, build it up and make it fruitful.

Those who perform the Mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael will receive a great reward.

The Avnei Nezer, Rabbi Avraham Bornstein suggests that the Mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael is not just to physically live in the land. The Mitzvah includes contributing to the economy and improving society as well.

How can those who are not ready to make Aliya at least partially observe the mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael?

Visit Israel- The Magen Avraham brings the opinion that we may partially be observing the Mitzvah by visiting Israel, depending on the length of our stay.

Buy Land in Israel- Rabbi Yaakov Reines, founder of the Mizrachi party in the early 20th century said that buying land in Eretz Yisrael is an act of great merit and those who do so participate in this holy endeavor.

Planting trees in Israel- Most of the forests in Israel today have been planted since the beginning of the 20th century. Since 1948, 196 million trees have been planted.

Supporting Israel.