– Q. What is the source in the Gemora and Rishonim that in order for someone to be a Novi, (prophet) he must first receive Nevuah in Eretz Yisroel?

A. See Rashi (Yechezkel 1: 3) and Radak (ibid) that the nevuah of Yechezkel began only on the fifth of Tamuz (surprise!) when he arrived in Eretz Yisroel, since no ”ruach of nevuah” starts outside of Eretz Yisroel.

Rashi mentions also in Moed Kattan (25: 1) that once the spirit of nevuah begins in Eretz Yisroel, even after one exits the land, the Ruach of Nevuah persists.

Meshech Chochmoh (Bereishis 46: 5) further compares the spirit of nevuah to the sacrificing of Korbanoth that once some parts are brought during the day, the rest can be sacrificed and consumed at night also. So it occurs with nevuah too.

Maharitz Chayos (2: 4) quotes the Kuzary who adds that when the prophesy relates to the Holy Land, it can be said even for those who never were in Yisrael, thus explaining the nevuos of the Avos, Moshe Rabbenu, Aharon Hacohen and others.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.