PEOPLE OF THE LAND
Selections from classical Torah sources
which express the special relationship between
the People of Israel and Eretz Yisrael

YAAKOV -
A Priceless Plot

Yaakov purchased a plot of land outside the city of Shechem upon which he pitched his tent and settled down. The Torah records this real estate purchase, and even mentions the amount he paid for it (Bereishet 33:19).

Two fascinating insights are offered by our commentaries for the significance of this purchase.

Ibn Ezra writes that this was intended to convey to us the sublime level of Eretz Yisrael - that one who has a share in it has the equivalent of a share in the World to Come.

The amount of one hundred silver coins which is mentioned as payment, suggests Kli Yakar, is symbolic of the one hundred cubits of height in the Beit Hamikdash where there would be an altar upon which Yaakov's descendants would offer sacrifices. This purchase laid the groundwork for Yaakov's own building of an altar as an expression of his special relationship with Hashem.