When G-d created the first man He formed his torso from the dust of Babylon, his head from that of Eretz Yisrael and his limbs from all the other lands. (Mesechta Sanhedrin 38b)

The whole world was created for man to utilize in serving his Creator, explains Maharsha, so it was necessary to form man from the entire earth and give him mastery over it. This provides an understanding why the head, which contains the brain in which is seated human intelligence and soul power, was formed from the material of Eretz Yisrael. The very air of Eretz Yisrael makes one wise, say our Talmudic Sages, and Yerushalayim is where the Gate to Heaven is for the soul.

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