[Avodah] Maharsha - There Is No Point For Some People Come To Eretz Yisroel For Yom Tov

[Prof. Levine]

>From  http://revach.net/article.php?id=5026

Maharsha - There Is No Point For Some People Come To Eretz Yisroel For Yom Tov

The gemara (Pesachim 8b) says that a person who does not own land has 
no mitzva to be Oleh Regel, and he may stay home. Why is this? The 
Maharsha explains that the main mitzva of Oleh Regel is to be happy 
with your produce that your are obligated eat in Yerushalayim like 
Bikurim and Maaser Sheini and to gladden the hearts of the poor, the 
Geirim, and the Levi'im by sharing with them. Only then is your 
mitzva L'Sheim Shamayim. If you don't own land and cannot make others 
happy with your produce, there is no point to come for Yom Tov and 
your presence is not needed.

The gemara continues this idea, says the Maharsha, and explains that 
this is the reason that Yerushalyim lacks the natural attractions 
like the sweet Ginosar fruits and the healing hot springs, that can 
be found in the north of Eretz Yisroel. Coming for Yom Tov to Eretz 
Yisroel is about being happy with Hashem and gladdening the hearts of 
the downtrodden. It is not to indulge yourself and to mingle with 
those who do not need your help!

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