Deuteronomy 11:12 tells us that it is "a land which the L-rd your G-d inquires after." But wait a minute. Does that mean God only cares about Israel? Doesn't seem quite right, does it?
Rebbi, one of the sages whose teachings are recorded in Sifrei Devarim, wrestles with this very question. He points out that the Book of Job (38:26) tells us God makes it rain “upon a land without a man, a desert in which there is no person.” Clearly, God’s attention extends beyond the borders of the Promised Land.
So, what’s the deal? What does it mean that God “inquires after” Eretz Yisrael specifically?
Rebbi offers a beautiful explanation: It's as if God inquires only after it. But, because He inquires after it, He inquires after all the other lands along with it.
Think of it like this: imagine a master chef meticulously tending to their prized herb garden. They water it, weed it, and ensure it gets the perfect amount of sunlight. Does that mean they neglect the rest of their garden? Not necessarily. Their special attention to the herbs ensures the quality of their entire culinary creation.
In the same way, God's focused attention on Eretz Yisrael serves as a conduit for blessing and providence to the entire world. The land becomes a focal point, a concentration of divine energy that radiates outward. It's a reminder that even in the vastness of creation, there are places and moments that hold a special significance, influencing everything around them.
It's a powerful image, isn't it? The idea that our actions, our intentions, can have ripple effects far beyond what we can see. And that sometimes, focusing our attention on a particular thing, a particular place, can be the key to unlocking blessings for the entire world.