The first 20 reasons focused on spiritual and nationalistic causes.
The next 10 reasons will focus on cultural and community reasons.
- Jewish Holidays Are National Holidays – No Need to Take Off From Work
Narrative:
In the Diaspora, Jewish holidays often mean negotiating time off, explaining religious observances to employers, and feeling out of sync with the world around you. In Israel, the national calendar revolves around the Jewish year—businesses close for Rosh Hashanah, schools let out for Pesach, and the streets are alive with Sukkot decorations. Living in Israel means never having to choose between your faith and your job; the entire country celebrates with you.
Biblical Source:
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work.” (Exodus 20:9-10)
שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תַּעֲבֹד וְעָשִׂיתָ כָּל־מְלַאכְתֶּךָ וְיוֹם
הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבָּת לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לֹא־תַעֲשֶׂה כָל־מְלָאכָה
(שמות כ:ט-י)
Talmudic Source:
“The festivals of Israel were given for joy and celebration.” (Pesachim 109a)
לֹא נִתְּנוּ הַמּוֹעֲדִים לְיִשְׂרָאֵל אֶלָּא לְשִׂמְחָה. (פסחים קט
- Shabbat Atmosphere – Entire Cities Slow Down for Shabbat
Narrative:
In Israel, Shabbat is not just a personal observance—it is a national experience. From Friday afternoon, streets become quiet, public transportation stops, and the aroma of freshly baked challah fills the air. Walking through Jerusalem or Bnei Brak on a Friday night, one can feel the peaceful rhythm of Shabbat as families gather for meals and songs. It is a rare privilege to live in a place where an entire country collectively pauses for sacred rest.
Biblical Source:
“If you turn your foot away from the Sabbath, from pursuing your own affairs on My holy day… then you shall delight yourself in the Lord.” (Isaiah 58:13-14)
אִם־תָּשִׁיב מִשַּׁבָּת רַגְלֶךָ עֲשׂוֹת חֲפָצֶיךָ בְּיוֹם
קָדְשִׁי… אָז תִּתְעַנַּג עַל־יְהוָה. (ישעיהו נח:יג-יד
Talmudic Source:
“One who delights in Shabbat will be granted the desires of his heart.” (Shabbat 118b)
כׇּל הַמִּתְעַנֵּג עַל הַשַּׁבָּת נוֹתְנִין לוֹ מִשְׁאֲלוֹת לִבּוֹ. (שבת קיח
Rabbi Paul Bloom lives in Jerusalem with his wife Ettie. Paul is President of the Israel Inspiration Initiative and is on the Board of the New York / Israel Chamber of Commerce. He is the CEO of PDB Futurecom International and is a retired CTO of IBM Research’s Communication Sector.
