Getting started about the Land of Israel

       The world is full of blogs, so the big question is, why another one, right?  Well, the very name of this blog should tip you off a bit" "A Good Report from the Land."  This is a blog about Israel and everything amazing and wonderful about it - why it is, that I always refer to it as the Chosen Land.  Like the original, Biblical report of the spies on the Land of Israel, this will be coming from one who sees it as a "good Land" - just as Yehoshua (Joshua) and Calev (Caleb) did.

      It's not an update on Israeli politics (as fun as that might be!), but rather to enable you to see Israel through my eyes.  Having been given the bracha (blessing) of being able to live in Israel AND to become a licensed Tour Guide gives me a unique perspective to share MY Eretz Yisrael - the Land of Israel with you, who also love Israel with all your heart.

       In this blog, I will share some of Israel's beauty through photos I have taken, update you on the latest archaeological finds and fill your hearts, minds and imaginations with stories about this incredible place...It's a blog that will include my feelings about faith - Biblical faith; while being totally inclusionary.  Without understanding the Tanach (the Hebrew Bible) you cannot possibly hope to understand and fully appreciate the Land of Israel.  May it inspire you to come as often as you can, to connect with the Land.  Remember, if you connect with the Land, the Land will connect with you...May it cause you to stand and act...

        My hope is that you will join me regularly on this journey of discovery and sharing about the most special place on this planet.  If you have any questions, suggestions or comments on any of my blog posts, please email them to me at:  kolyehuda.hanoch@gmail.com  I've been hearing a lot of concerns, so why don't we just get right to the heart of things...

       "And it shall be, when you have come into the land which the Lord your God shall give you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell within in it..." Devarim (Deuteronomy) 26:1 The Land of Israel is the everlasting possession of the people of Israel; period. Got that? It's called 'Zionism' - the Land of Israel for the People of Israel!

         In case you somehow found this a bit too subtle, and didn't quite get the point, turn to the next chapter - "...that you may go in to the land which the Lord your God give you, a land flowing with milk and honey; as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you." Devarim 27: 3 Having Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel, is part of HaShem's (God's) promises to His people. And, as I always like to remind people - we either believe in a God that can deliver upon His promises, or one who can't. But, there are those, among people of faith who seem to be more comfortable believing we're on the "Eve of Destruction..." On the one hand, the promises of HaShem, versus the latest 'conspiracy theory' - who do YOU want to believe in?

       But, nothing is given to anyone if they don't deserve it, right? So, then we have the Blessings and the Curses...sighhh...Could it be any more clear? If we merit it, by our adherence to HaShem's Mitzvot (commandments), we have an amazing destiny ahead of us. A series of Promises of incredible blessings; but, if not, well, then, there are the Curses....

      It's up to us - what do WE want to happen? How do we want things to "play out?" Do we want to spend our time charting out what we 'think' is going to happen, and when? Or, do we want to act in a manner that insures that we receive the blessings? I'll take 'acting,' in the appropriate manner any time - what about you?

     Sending you love & hugs from the Chosen Land