In this week's Haftarah, the prophet Yechezkel outlines the stages of the Geulah scenario that has given the Jewish People hope throughout the dark Galut. He describes the extraordinary renewal of our relationship with God, followed by the climax of this great prophecy - the promise of the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash and the return of God's presence: "I will establish my sanctuary among them in their midst forever."

The process begins, however, with the ingathering of Klal Yisrael, with Yechezkel's words thundering forth: "Behold, I will take the children of Israel from amongst the nations... and I will gather them and bring them home to their Land."

Is it too much to imagine that the extraordinary influx of Jews from all over the world, fast making Israel the home of the world's largest Jewish population, is the beginning of the realization of this prophecy of Kibbutz Galuyot? Is this not the "ingathering" preceding the Redemption?

In the words of Rabbi Kook, z.tz.l., "It is clear that the eventual Geulah is dependent upon the increase of Jews living in Eretz Yisrael, 'a holy nation in the holy land.'"

When God tells us unequivocally, "I will return them to their Land," He is revealing His desire - which is incumbent upon us to carry out by encouraging and fostering a massive Aliyah effort. As such, we depend upon our co-religionists to join us and be part of this great process of Geulah that our prophets have outlined for us, and of which we have so long wished to be a part.

L'hitraot b'artzeinu hakedosha.
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Rabbi Meyer Fendel writes from Har Nof, Jerusalem.