The holidays are coming up and I just moved to Israel but all my family is in America. I really want ti be in Israel for the holidays because I’ve never been here during that time and it would be a very nice experience being here in the Holy Land for Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, but family is also very important and all my family wants to be with me for the holidays and I do miss them as well. I know your’e not allowed to leave Israel unless it’s for money or finding a spouse. So would I be able to leave to be with my family during the holidays? Should I if I can?
Answer:
Leaving Eretz Yisrael for a short time with intent to return is permissible, even if one is going for recreation. Certainly one may go to spend Yom Tov with family. If this will enhance his and his family’s Simchas Yom Tov this would be the right thing to do.
