Here’s something that might surprise you: Jewish people who live in Yerushalayim — in the heart of Eretz Yisrael — still say in their davening: “Because we are still in exile.”

Wait — how can you live in Yerushalayim and still be in exile? 🤔

The answer is that galus (exile) isn’t just about where you live. It’s a spiritual condition.

Galus means that Hashem’s presence is hidden. The world runs in a way where G-dliness is concealed, and physical things seem to be in charge of everything. That’s galus — even if you’re sitting in Yerushalayim.

So what are we really davening for when we ask to be taken out of exile?

• For all Jewish people to be gathered together in Eretz Yisrael
• For the third Beis Hamikdash to be built
• For Hashem’s presence to be revealed openly — even stronger than before

That’s the real Geula (redemption). Not just living in the right place — but the whole world being filled with the open presence of Hashem.

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🧠 Check Your Understanding

Why can someone live in Yerushalayim and still be considered in exile?

A. Because exile is defined by geography — without the Beis Hamikdash rebuilt and full Jewish sovereignty, even living in the Land is still a form of exile.

This is partially true — the Beis Hamikdash being missing is part of it. But the deeper answer goes further than geography.

B. Because exile is ultimately a spiritual condition — even in Eretz Yisrael, when Hashem’s presence is hidden, the deeper exile still continues. ✅

Exactly right! Galus isn’t just about where you are. It’s about whether Hashem’s presence is revealed in the world. Even in Yerushalayim, as long as Hashem’s presence is concealed, we are still in a state of exile.

C. Because exile describes a gap between what the world is now and what Hashem wants it to be — and that gap still exists even in Eretz Yisrael.

This is also a valid way to understand it! The world hasn’t yet reached its G-dly purpose — and that’s part of what makes it still exile.

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This is the kids’ version. Want to go deeper?