ERETZ YISROEL – Leaving

FOUR MAIN REASONS
The reasons for the prohibition of leaving Eretz Yisroel cited by the authorities are actually rather varied:
The Ramban (Bamidbar 33:53) explains the prohibition on account of the mitzvah to settle in Eretz
Yisrael. The Ramban, if we recall, is of the opinion that the Torah mitzvah to settle the land of Israel is
applicable nowadays, as well.
The Rashbam (Bava Basra 91b) explains that the prohibition exists because by leaving the land, one is
actively removing oneself from the mitzvos that are uniquely dependent upon being present in Israel.
The Lechem Mishnah (Melachim 5:12) explains that because Israel is holy, it is forbidden to leave it.
Finally, a fourth reason given is that prayer in Israel is much more effective, and the prohibition was
made so that the nation of Israel not remain bereft of those praying on its behalf in the place where
prayer is most efficacious.

BIBLICAL OR RABBINIC?
Is it a Torah or rabbinic prohibition? Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l (Igros Moshe, Y.D. Vol. I, No. 120),
indicates that it is rabbinic.  That being the case, in a case of a doubt there is greater leniency.  The
language of the Maharitatz (Siman 85), however, indicates that he learns the prohibition as Biblical – not
like Rav Feinstein zt”l.  He writes that the source for the Rambam’s leniency regarding leaving for
business comes from a fortiori argument from leaving Israel to go Egypt.  If it is permitted regarding
Egypt it is certainly permitted regarding other lands where the prohibition is not explicit in the Torah. 
His language in the latter half of the response is indicative that it is still a biblical prohibition, but not one
that is explicit.  The Chochmas Adam in his Mishpetei Aretz 11:14, however, also learns that the
prohibition is Rabbinic.

LENIENCIES
There are various heterim that are found in the poskim to permit leaving Eretz Yisroel.
For the mitzvah of kibud av v’eim, honoring one’s parents, it is certainly permitted to leave Israel. There
are two circumstances described in the poskim:
One, where one’s parents are traveling to Israel; in such a case, one is permitted to leave Israel proper
to greet and accompany them. The other case is where one leaves Israel to tend to another need
involving kibud av v’eim. The former case is permitted by all authorities based upon a Gemara in
Kiddushin (31a). The latter case is the subject of some debate. The consensus of poskim is that in that
case it is permitted, as well.  If, however, your parents need you because they are in danger, then one
would certainly be permitted to go. Indeed, some poskim even permit one to permanently leave Israel
when one leaves for the mitzvah of kibud av v’eim. Beis Shlomo, Y.D. Vol. II, No. 94, citing Rashi’s
interpretation of Kiddushin 31a. The Maharsha, however, seems to learn otherwise. See Chayei Moshe
48:37.

Others disagree and write that it is only permitted if one has in mind to return. Clearly, however, there
are no boundary issues when it comes to kibud av v’eim.
One is also permitted to leave Eretz Yisrael to seek medical care or for health reasons in general.
Additionally, it is permissible to leave Israel to travel to the gravesites of tzaddikim, such as in Uman, in
order to pray there (see Shaarei Teshuvah 568:20).
According to Rav Ovadiah Yosef zt”l (Yechave Da’as 5:57) one would also be permitted to leave Eretz
Yisrael to teach Torah to others. This issue came up a number of years ago with a now prominent rosh
yeshiva who was offered a prestigious post outside of Israel. The gedolim of Eretz Yisrael told him to
take the position, but his wife refused to follow him. Rav Chatzkel Levenstein, zt’l, also took a position
outside of Israel in the Mirrer Yeshiva when it was offered to him.
A fascinating additional heter is found in the Mishnah Berurah (531:14). He writes that one may leave
Israel to see a good friend, because this is considered a d’var mitzvah. Poskim extend this to include
seeing one’s children and grandchildren.
One may leave Eretz Yisrael to find a shidduch outside of Israel (Rambam, Melachim 5:9). This is true
even if one would be able to find a suitable match inside of Israel, if marriage to another person (found
outside of Israel) is preferred. Generally speaking, this is only if one has in mind to return to Israel.
Interestingly enough, if one cannot find a spouse in Israel, it is permissible to go chutz l’Aretz and settle
there on a permanent basis (Maharit, Kiddushin 111a).
One may leave Israel to conduct one’s business affairs (Rambam, ibid.). This is only permitted, however,
if his intention is to return.
MAY ONE TRAVEL IF ONE HAS LEFT WITH A HETER
One last question brings us back to one of our original questions.  May one stay and travel a bit if he had
originally left with permission.  If the prohibition is Rabbinic then it would seem to be permitted.  if,
however, it is biblical, then it would seem that the reason is like that of the Ramban cited above and one
would not be permitted to delay further on account of the constant Mitzvah of being in Eretz Yisroel.  Of
course one should consult with one’s own Rav and Posaik in regard to all of these issues.