Leaving Eretz Yisrael
The Talmud teaches that “One may not leave Eretz Yisrael to go abroad unless the price of wheat has risen…but if one can still purchase wheat, although the price is somewhat higher, one may not leave.” As Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai used to say: “Why were Elimelech, Machlon, and Chilyon, the greatest scholars and leaders of the day, punished? Because they left Eretz Yisrael even though wheat was available, albeit at a higher price.”[1]
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach was known to be deeply disturbed that people leave Eretz Yisrael for reasons that are not halachically justifiable. When he was invited to his grandson's Bar Mitzva outside of Eretz Yisrael in the year 5731, he said that he did not believe that there were sufficient halachic grounds to leave Eretz Yisrael in order to attend. He was also of the opinion the Kohanim should be especially careful not to unnecessarily leave Eretz Yisrael since the land outside of Eretz Yisrael is considered to be impure.[2]
While there are certainly legitimate grounds for being caught at Ben Gurion airport's departure terminal we can get a glimpse from here how much our sages frowned upon the idea of leaving the Eretz Yisrael.[3] There are many other similar teachings, as well. Among the reasons why one should hesitate to leave Eretz Yisrael is because being here is a constant mitzva.[4] So too, by leaving, one loses the ability to perform many mitzvot which can only be performed here.[5] These two reasons apply equally to residents and tourists alike! Since much has been written on this subject, we will briefly examine some of the more common dispensations for leaving Eretz Yisrael.
As a general rule one should only leave Eretz Yisrael in order to engage in Torah study, to get married, or to flee from danger.[6] One should not be so quick to leave Eretz Yisrael for a mere pleasure trip[7] though it is permitted to leave Eretz Yisrael in order to see other beautiful parts of the world.[8] It is also permitted to leave Eretz Yisrael for business purposes or to otherwise make a living.[9] Leaving to visit a friend,[10] to visit one's parents,[11] or to participate in a simcha are considered legitimate reasons to leave Eretz Yisrael, as well.[12] It is a great mitzva for those who live in the Diaspora to come to Eretz Yisrael as often as possible, even if only for a holiday, vacation, or other short visit.[13]
[1] Bava Batra 91a.
[2] http://www.ravaviner.com/2010/08/leaving-eretz-yisrael-10.html. For many more similar stories see: http://www.ravaviner.com/search/label/Stories%20about%20Leaving%20the%20Land%20of%20Israel
[3] See Avoda Zara 13a; Bava Batra 91a.
[4] Ramban to Bamidbar 33:53, cited in Bishvilei Haparasha p.492.
[5] Rashbam to Bava Batra 91a, cited in Bishvilei Haparasha p.492.
[6] Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 5:9; Tzitz Eliezer 10:42.
[7] OC 531:4.
[8] Shevet Halevi 8:173. See Kum Hithalech Ba'aretz (Tzion) p.314.
[9] Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 5:9
[10] Mishna Berura 531:14.
[11] Yechaveh Daat 3:69.
[12] Minchat Yitzchak 3:26:7.
[13] Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 248:13; Magen Avraham 248:15; Chelkat Yaakov 1:81; Letters of the Chazon Ish vol. 2:76; Mishna Berura 248:28. See also "Kum Hithalech Ba'aretz" (Tzion) p. 19 at length.