Walking Four Cubits in Israel

Just recently, I started learning with a friend of mine. While learning we came up with the following problem. He claims that if you live in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) you do a mitzvah with every step you take. I learned it once before but do not recall where. Maybe you could help us find where this is and explain this important issue.

Dear Daniel

What the Talmud actually says is: "One who walks a distance of four cubits (approximately 6 - 8 feet) in the Land of Israel is assured of being a ben olam haba - heir to the World to Come." Because of the intrinsic Holiness of the Land of Israel, a person gains spiritual merit by merely walking here.

So, each step is a step towards "walking four cubits" in the Land of Israel, but unless you have a really big stride, you can't do it all in one step.

Sources:

• Ketuvot 111a
• Maharal Chidushei Aggadot 1:168