Does the Tanakh portray the Land of Israel as a homeland, or as a place of exile? What type of qualities are unique and special about the Land? Are the geographical and natural features a source of abundant blessing or of vulnerability and dependence upon God? What is meant by the various biblical descriptions of the Land as the place of the Divine Presence?  We examine the role of the Land of Israel throughout Tanakh, and explore perspectives of  midrashim and Jewish philosophers and scholars. Some of the responses may be surprising.

Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion