[Avodah] Yishuv EY

[Dov Kay]

There has been much quoting of sources which appear to indicate that those 
who live in EY are punished more for their sins than those who do not.  The 
implication drawn by some is that one who is sinful, ie everyone, should not 
make aliyah.   The counter-argument raised by others has been that if yishuv 
EY is a mitzva, what justification is there to refrain from it?

As a point of comparison, I was thinking of Gerus.  Jews have more mitzvos 
than non-Jews, with the consequence that the stakes are higher and we are 
more liable to punishment.  However, while it is true that we initially try 
to deter non-Jews from converting, we welcome genuine gerim and view their 
decision in a positive light.

Surely the ger is similar to the oleh la'aretz in that he brings increased 
din upon himself, but can certainly be said to have benefited in an absolute 
sense.  Entry into the palace of the King should certainly not be undertaken 
without the requisite awe but, for all that, who would not want choose a 
palace over a slum?

Kol tuv
Dov Kay
Manchester, UK

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