A Very Very Good Land

When we read the tragic story of the spies, it is important to remember the words of Kalev. When the people were upset about the problems involved with inheriting Eretz Yisrael, he simply said, “טובה הארץ מאוד מאוד,” it is a very very good land.
It is a very serious sin to speak badly about the gift that Hashem gave us. It is not only a “very very good land,” but it is special in so many ways.
It is the only place in the world where each four cubits that one walks, is a Mitzva. It is the only place where it is said, אוירה דארץ ישראל מחכים, “ that the air of Eretz Yisrael makes one wise.” And it is the only place in the world where one can feel the holiness of the Divine Presence.
The Torah describes Israel as a place that is not lacking anything. One must realize that the specialness of this land, despite its physical beauty, lies in its level of spirituality. Other places in the world might be more comfortable or affluent. But if one is truly seeking spirituality, there is nowhere in the world that comes close.
There are more Mitzvot that can be observed here than anywhere else. The Rabbis add that there is no Torah like the Torah of Eretz Yisrael.
One must be careful to speak well of our cherished homeland. It is a grievous sin to badmouth Israel. For after all, “It is a very very good land!”