Land of Israel

An unprecedented land deal, graced by Russian Jewish investment, brought to life a Torah-based community in the challenging landscapes of 19th-century Palestine.

The Zionist historical narrative has often portrayed the Old Yishuv as uninterested in agriculture, relying only on donations. Historians reveal a different story: a constant desire for land work existed, though it wasn't feasible until the latter half of the 19th century.

In the 19th century, as secularism took hold in Europe, some Jewish communities sought refuge in the spiritual sanctity of the Holy Land.

During the reign of Muhammad Ali (1831-1840), Jewish immigration increased, leading to overcrowding in Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter. The Orthodox community's population doubled in the first three years, prompting new arrivals to purchase properties in the "Bab al-Huta" area, about a 45-minute walk from the Jewish Quarter.

In 922, a major event occurred in Jewish history. The Geon of Israel sent out a calendar to Jewish communities, only to face public opposition from the Geon of Babylon: The calendar was wrong, and Rosh Hashanah and Passover were to be celebrated on Tuesday, not Sunday, as the Israeli Geon declared!

For thousands of years, numerous conquests and battles occurred over this land, yet no permanent settlement took hold. Unlike any other nation, much of it remained desolate and seemingly uninhabitable.

Understanding Orlah laws across different regions: Are Eilat and Yotvata considered part of Israel regarding agricultural commandments?