A Prayer for Aliyah

Someone recently lent me a great  book which is a compilation of articles written about the amazing mitzvah of making aliyah to Israel. It’s called, To Dwell in the Palace. Last night, I left the book on the couch as I began my semi-comatose stumble to my bed after having fallen asleep without realizing it. This morning, I noticed a paper laying on the couch next to the book, that apparently had been inside the book the entire time. Maybe it was trying to follow me to the bed last night.
 
I picked it up, and lo and behold, it was a beautifully written prayer by none other than Rebbe Natan. If you have ever read his compilation of prayers which can be found in Likutei Tefillot, then you know how eloquent and deep his writings are.
 
So, if you’re serious about making aliyah, you know that personal prayer is key. Print this prayer up and read it until you’ve memorized it, or made aliyah – whichever happens first. May you be blessed with a speedy and easy aliyah!
 
Without further ado, here it is:
 
“Master of the Universe, have pity on me! May Your great stores of mercy and kindness be opened to help me merit going speedily unto our holy Land – the Land which You chose from among all other lands as an inheritance for Israel, the people You chose from all other peoples.
 
“The Land is the source of our sanctity, Land of true life. It is the site of the very foundation of holiness; it is where the comprehensive sanctification of Israel has its roots. It is the Land which You are always concerned with, as it says in Your Torah: “Land which the Lord your God scrutinizes constantly, the eyes of God your Lord are on it at all times, from the beginning of the year until the end of the year.” (Devarim 11, 12) A Land to be coveted, a good and spacious Land, that You wished to bequeath to our forefathers; the Land which has within it the city of God, city of beauty, His holy mountain, focus of joy for the whole world.
 
“Master of the Universe, in Your infinite mercy, have pity on us, and awaken our hearts and the hearts of our children, and the hearts of all Your people Israel, so that we may experience yearning and great longing, and a fervent desire for the Land of Israel. May we ceaselessly yearn, long, and desire to reach the Land of Israel until such time as You enable us to come speedily to our holy Land. We will then merit being aroused to true service and fear of God, and there we will serve You in awe as in days of old and years gone by.”