Egypt Overturned, But Israel's Existence Still Questioned

Art: Jacek Yerka

A story of an Island and a Whale by Rabbi YY Jacobson

Two old Jewish men are standing in front of the Czar's firing squad. The officer asks them if they would like a final cigarette.

One of them says, "No, I don't smoke, and you can drop dead."

The other whispers in his ear, "Shhh, Yankle, don't make trouble."

*****************

The Whale

The latest developments in Egypt have become a source of concern in Israel. The Jewish State is in doubt whether the new emerging powers in Egypt will honor the cold peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, signed three decades ago. This only underscores yet once again the vulnerable position of Israel, and how its very existence is still questioned. A revolution so inspiring and uplifting in the land of the Pharaohs, but Israel's right of existence is still not a simple matter.

Let us reflect a bit on this.

One of the great Talmudic sages related the following episode:

Once, while on a ship, we came to what we assumed was a large island, since we saw on it sand and growing grass. We disembarked the ship, went on to the island, built a fire, and cooked our meal. Yet what we assumed to be an island was really a fish. When the fish felt the heat, he rolled over and we were plunged into the water. Had the ship not been nearby, we would have drowned. -- Talmud Bava Basra 73b.

What is the meaning behind this absurd Talmudic tale, related by one of its great sages, Rabba the son of Bar Chana?

According to some of the great Talmudic commentators, this tale captures, in intriguing metaphor, one of the most essential truths about Jewish history, particularly one relating to the holiday of Purim, which will be celebrated in a few weeks.

The Journey

From the moment they stood at Mt. Sinai more than three millennia ago, the Jewish people have been traveling on a lone and long journey. Their destination is a world healed, redeemed and reunified with its Creator; a society cleansed from ego-centricity, hatred and bloodshed; a universe permeated with moral and spiritual awareness, filled with "the knowledge of the Divine as the waters cover the sea" (in the words of the prophet Isaiah chapter 11). The Torah and its Mitzvos serve as their blueprint for this courageous voyage in a vast and seemingly endless sea.

Yet the waters have often become increasingly tumultuous and the voyage discouraging, if not apparently futile. So when in the midst of their journey they observed what seemed to be an island of serenity, an oasis of tranquility, a respite from a miserable fate, many of them abandoned the "ship" of Jewish consciousness and commitment for the perceived blessings of freedom and happiness.

The era in which the Purim story occurred was a classical example of this pattern. The king was married to a Jewish woman; large segments of Jewish society assimilated into Persian culture; the Jewish establishment played a pivotal role in the economical and political structures of the Persian Empire. The community had been invited to the royal feast and given status as equal citizens. In reciprocity, the Jews learned how to "behave;" how to become integrated and law abiding citizens. They did not demand kosher food or kosher wine at the feast, nor did they create any other waves that would disturb the equilibrium and make them stand out as Jews.

Seventy years after being expelled from their ancient homeland, their Temple being burnt to the ground, many of them had abandoned the old ship, secure in their belief that they have reached an island of serenity; they finally "made it."

Identity Crisis

Throughout history, the struggle of Jewish identity and our relationships with the world around us has become so challenging, that it often caused us to redefine ourselves from within. Jean-Paul Sartre claimed in his Sur le Question Juif that the only thing Jews had in common was that they were the victims of hate. It is not Jews who create anti-Semitism, he said, but anti-Semitism that creates Jews. Arthur Koestler wrote: "Self-hatred is the Jews patriotism." Franz Kafka said: "What do I have in common with the Jews? I don't even have anything in common with myself."

Time and time again we have been lured into the faith that if we abandon the "ship" of Judaism-of Torah and Mitzvos-we would gain acceptance among the brotherhood of mankind. "Be a man in the street and a Jew at home," was the 19th century slogan by the Enlightened Jews in Western Europe. If only Jews weren't so Jewish we would have less anti-Semitism, so went the theory.

The past three centuries have produced a dazzling variety of movements, ideals and solutions to the age-old "Jewish problem," offering islands of hope for a people tormented by persecution and targeted for abuse. The Enlightenment (Haskalah) came to "civilize" us and allow us free entry into European society; the Marxists and Socialists promised to create a utopia for us and all of mankind; Zionism's goal was to grant us a State, a national identity, and thus cure anti-Semitism once and for all; Reform came to make us acceptable to the non-Jewish society and to inculcate us with humanistic values; secularism came to free us from the burdens of tradition which have supposedly hindered our progress and happiness.

All of these attempts have been brilliantly captured in that ancient Talmudic tale: Once, while on a ship, we came to what we assumed was a large island, since we saw on it sand and growing grass. We disembarked the ship, went on to the island, built a fire, and cooked our meal.

Disillusionment

Yet, ironically, the end of the Talmudic tale also came to be:

What we assumed to be an island was really a fish. When the fish felt the heat, he rolled over and we were plunged into the water. Had the ship not been nearby, we would have drowned.

Each time we came to feel comfortable on the island, and we began at last to live out our latent dreams, the "fish" turned over and threw us back into the raging waters. In the days of Purim, when the Jews felt that they had successfully integrated into mainstream culture, under the very nose of a Jewish queen-the king was persuaded to issue forth a plan of genocide for the Jewish people.

Assimilation never cured prejudice. Not in the days of Purim, nor at any time in the future. It didn't even in 15th century Spain, where Jews converted to Christianity and yet still suffered from persecution under the vicious doctrine of limpieza de sangre ("purity of blood"), the forerunner of modern racial anti-Semitism. It didn't in 20th century Germany where Jews were often "more German" than the Germans. It didn't in the Modern State of Israel constructed as a secular democracy.

The historical truth remains that none of the above movements achieved their stated goals. The Holocaust made mockery of Jewish integration in the general humanistic world; Zionism created the State of Israel, which we cherish deeply, but only exacerbated the problems of anti-Semitism and still struggles to provide security for its citizens. Israel still needs to fight for its "right" to exist. Stalin "cured" us of the "paradise" of Marxism and Socialism; the Enlightenment apparently did not sufficiently civilize us; secularism has deprived generations of direction and meaning, leaving our youth thirsty for identity and purpose (1).

Our Hope

"Had the ship not been nearby, we would have drowned," is how the Talmudic sage concludes the episode. What saved us during the time of Purim - and what has guaranteed our existence throughout our long and difficult history - was not forfeiting our identity and surrendering our truth; it was our animated relationship with the living G-d, the creator of heaven and earth, and our dedication to His Torah and Mitzvos that has allowed us to survive and thrive, till we reach the culmination of the voyage, speedily in our days (2).

1) Interestingly, the metaphor employed in the Talmudic tale is the fish. What the travelers felt was an island was really a fish waiting to plunge them into the waters. The zodiac sign for the month of Adar is Pisces, fish (mazal dogim.) As the book of Esther relates, the Persian Minister Haman chose a day in the month of Adar (the 13th) to exterminate the Jewish people (Maharsah to Bava Basra 73b). Conversely, what is unique about fish? They must remain submerged in their natural element of water to survive. So too, the Jewish people must remain in their habitat of Torah and Mitzvos for their continued existence (see Talmud Berechos 61a).

2) This essay is based on the commentary of the Maharsah (Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer Eidels) to Talmud Bava Basra 73b and on other sources.

A Flawless Mitzvah

"Every generous person shall bring it" [Vayakhel 35:5]

A benefactor donated a large plot of land for R' Meir Shapiro's yeshivah, Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin.  At the ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone of the building, the benefactor was accorded great honor and seated at the head table reserved for the distinguished guests.

Sitting next to the man was R' Yisrael of Chortkov, who turned to him and said "I do not envy you over this mitzvah because it will lead to great honor.  I do envy you, however, for the mitzvah that you performed secretly, the one that lead to this one [see Avot 4:2].  For that must have been a flawless mitzvah if it was capable of leading to a mitzvah as great as this one."

Source: Rabbi Y. Bronstein

 

Wisdom to the Wise

"He has imbued him with the spirit of God, with wisdom, with insight, and with knowledge, and with [talent for] all manner of craftsmanship" Vayakhel 35:31

The Midrash Rabbah states that Betzalel must have already possessed an extraordinary degree of wisdom even before he was blessed, for Hashem does not bestow wisdom upon an individual unless he is already wise.  This is as the verse states: "He gives wisdom to the wise" [Daniel 2:21]

To what can this be compared?  To a man who wanted to buy wine, oil, or honey, and walked into a store with an empty jug in hand.  If the storekeeper is intelligent, he does not have to ask the customer which of the three he wants to purchase.  All he needs to do is smell the man's jug; if it gives off the scent of wine, then he has come to purchase wine.  If, however, the scent is that of honey, then he has come to buy honey.

So it is with wisdom. When Hashem sees a person that has some wisdom, He fills him with more!

Source: Rabbi Y. Bronstein

Earthquake Shakes Up Suez Canal as Iran Warships Approach

Iranian warship Alvand - Suez Canal

An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale shook up residents at the entrance to the Suez Canal early Monday morning, 48 hours before two Iranian ships, a frigate and a supply vessel, are expected to enter the canal.


The National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research reported that tremors from the 3 a.m. quake lasted for 27 minutes, but caused no damage

Source: Israel National News

18 And it shall come to pass in that day, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that My fury shall arise up in My nostrils.

19 For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath have I spoken: Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

20 so that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep upon the ground, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at My presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. Ezekiel 38:18-20

The Disengagement and Divine Retribution

More See Retribution for Disengagement Doers by David Yisraeli, Chabad Info

While right-wing activists have been warning for years of the downfall of all public leaders associated with the expulsion of Gaza's Jewish population, the ultra-Orthodox seemed less inclined to see the connection. However, public opinion has changed with a clear pattern being formed, as one leader after another suddenly and inexplicably disappears from public life.

13 Adar-I 5771 (17.02.2011)

Articles and op-eds by many right-wing organizations opposing Israel's disengagement are unsurprising. Even the occasional harsh rhetoric against leaders who subscribed to the notion of pulling out thousands of Jews from their decades-old homes seemed natural.

Sometimes, these pundits went so far as to connect the career short stops of many Israeli leaders. This style of commentary was uncommon, and left for the most radical.

It seems that the ultra-Orthodox community, that basically ignored the plight of Gaza's Jewry, is now recanting their original perspective. And they are beginning their trek by lashing out at the perpetrators of the evacuation plan.

In the author's own words:

"No matter how you look at it, in recent years a coup has taken place. Yes, a revolution similar to that in Egypt. But there's one difference: Here (in Israel) it was done quietly, gradually and even legally.

"In just a few years all positions of government were either replaced, impeached or simply left office: two prime ministers, chief of staff, chief commissioner and senior ministers.

"The common characteristic in all these instances was a career cut short unexpectedly. A second common factor is that all the demoted officials had a part in the disengagement plan."

Although the religious community ignored the detriment of the dire path, down which Israel's leaders were dragging the nation, apparently the ultra-Orthodox believe in the lessons taught. It's too bad that their own spiritual leaders didn't heed the warning of the Torah. Like many issues brought before the insular, and self-isolating Chareidi community in Israel, it seems that their realizations on the correct path come a little too late.

*****

The article from the Hamevaser newspaper (free translation):

It started some years ago, as what seemed a mere hype. Perhaps a little disturbing.

Some determined people raised their voices claiming to know the secret cord connecting the implementation of the Gaza pullout plan and the political blows landing on countless Israeli leaders. Reluctance from mainstream media was clearly expected. No one can know what's to happen.

Purporting to determine "a price tag" for ones involvement in the disengagement plan, is not our place.

These voices began emerging with the sudden exit of the "father of the disengagement," Ariel Sharon, from the political scene. An unexpected decline in his health, and since then, silence. It is a tragedy. A prime minister at the height of his career and popularity is wiped off, in an instant, from being relevant. However, Sharon's disappearance can be attributed to natural causes. He was not a young man and his health was certainly not up to par.

After this, the stream turned into floods. The 'cases' began to proliferate, spinning many twists, making front page colored headlines. All these instances were isolated, with nothing connecting them. Only the 'knowers' continued to cry out, to explain and to prove.

Now this hum of untraditional political elucidation became louder. Now, everyone was beginning to hear their message. Even without drawing any conclusions, the picture reality was painting was nothing but chilling.

No matter how you look at it, in recent years a coup has taken place. Yes, a revolution similar to that in Egypt. But there's one difference: Here (in Israel) it was done quietly, gradually and even legally.

In just a few years all positions of government were either replaced, impeached or simply left office: two prime ministers, chief of staff, chief commissioner and senior ministers.

The common characteristic in all these instances was a career cut short unexpectedly. A second common factor is that all the demoted officials had a part in the disengagement plan.

Then came the second stage. Executives seeking to advance and surpass previously reached vertices. They are all talented, highly experienced and well known. Their upward path is seemingly guaranteed. But it seems that they carry a destructive genetic code. They were at the disengagement. And, just when they learn of a possible appointment, and nearly reach to the top of their career's summit, an unexpected blow comes from an unknown place that casts them down, lower than their original stature. The careers end with their reputations tarnished for good.

This was the case with the last appointment for chief of staff Yoav Galant - he was one of the most celebrated officers in the nation, having fought bravely to defend his nation, returning with a crown of victory. Just before his career met its climax, a minor argument with neighbors concerning the location of the fence in is driveway, erected a Wall of China in front of his dreams of career advancement. He leaves the scene, degraded and humiliated.

And then the realization hits you. Yoav Galant served at the military secretary of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from 2002, after which he was promoted to major general. During his tenure, the preparation and execution of the disengagement plan took place. This is no longer a coincidence.

It's a giant puzzle, made up of many pieces, that makes up one big picture. You can ignore it, divert attention away from it, but it won't go away. It's there. It exists.

These thoughts began to bother me last week.

I went to speak to a friend whose logical style rejects any of the prejudices and hateful rhetoric which are common amongst many analysts. I showed him the Galant story, and the scores of others who partook in the disengagement, having been removed from public office in utter disgrace, amid degrading red newspaper headlines.

As I expected, he exhibited skepticism. He spent some time to find a decisive argument to dispel my train of thought.

And then he said: "What about Yai Naveh? He is going to be the temporary chief of staff. That's what Barak and Netanyahu agreed!"

I quickly reviewed the records. Naveh served as the commander at the Central Command, actually executing the disengagement. What's more, he ran the notorious Amonah evacuation which is remembered for its police brutality, apparently upon the orders of the army hierarchy.

My tower of reason, built upon this theory of retribution, was on the brink of collapse.

I did not give up. I countered my friend's argument. "If it happens that even as an interim chief of staff he is rejected, will you agree that there is something?"

He agreed. Perhaps because he knew, as well as I did, that Naveh's appointment was finalized from all perspectives. His name had already been announced in all the newspapers. Barak and Netanyahu wouldn't risk it again.

But then on Saturday night, the news was aired on Israeli television and radio: Naveh's appointment has been revoked.

Gantz is to replace him, as the permanent chief of staff. If you're interested in the facts, (he) served as a commander in the Northern Command, holding no responsibility for the disengagement plan.

Source: Chabad Info

Purim Katan: Above Nature

Art Jacek Yerka

This year being a Jewish leap year, we have two Adars.  (The Jewish calendar follows a 19 year cycle, and there are seven leap years in each cycle.... which means that during the cycle we have 19 Purims, but only 7 Purim Katans)  We celebrate Purim in the second Adar, but in Adar I we celebrate "Purim Katan" (the little Purim) on 14 Adar I which begins tonight Thursday February 17.

There is a strong connection between Purim and Purim Katan. The Mishnah teaches: “There is no difference between the first Adar and the second Adar, except for the reading of the Megillah and the distribution of gifts to the poor.” [Megillah 6b]

How to nullify a decree [reprinted from websiteYiddishkeit.org - author unknown]

Both Mordechai and Esther realized that the decree regarding the Jews was the result of improper Jewish behavior.

Since it is abundantly clear that one cannot nullify an end result (the decree) without first nullifying the cause (the erroneous Jewish conduct), their first act was to call Jews to repentance and fasting.

Once the spiritual cause of the decree had been ameliorated through repentance, and because G-d desires that one act through natural means, Esther then went to Achashveirosh in an attempt to abolish the decree.

Because the appeal to Achashveirosh was merely the natural vessel for the true salvation that came from above, it is understandable that Mordechai and Esther were less concerned with physical appearance or diplomatic skills as they were with repentance.

The lesson for us is obvious: There are those who think that during times of distress and misfortune, G-d forbid, natural means should be the first course of action. The story of Purim teaches us that natural means are only a second step; the first step must be to strengthen our bond with G-d by studying His Torah and performing His mitzvos. Then, and only then, should we turn to natural means to extricate ourselves from our difficulties.

When we act in this manner, we can be secure in the knowledge that whatever natural garment we employ will act to convey the supernatural miracle that is ultimately responsible for extracting us from the troubles we may find ourselves in.

For just as this is so regarding Israel as a whole, so too is it in regard to individual Jews: Every Jew must know that he is bound up with G-d, Who totally transcends nature.

It is true that G-d's blessings must be clothed in the natural vessel of human action ("G-d shall bless you in all that you do"). However, after all is said and done, human activity is no more than a garment and vehicle for G-d's blessings. The main emphasis must not be on the garment, but on stimulating G-d's abundant blessings through the study of Torah and the performance of mitzvos.

A Mystical Jewish Formula....(not)

Received via email -  there are people who actually believe all this stuff, and forward it on to their closest friends, even when it's total nonsense, as this one is.

For those who believe in segulot (A mystical Jewish formula for good mazel) and who of us can't use that!?   Please do not break! Just 27 words.

"G'mar Chatima Tova!   GOD our Father, walk through my house & take away all my worries & illness & please watch over & heal my family ... Amen."

This prayer is so powerful. Pass this to 12 people including me.  A blessing is coming to you in 4 mins of a new job, a house, marriage, good health, or financially'.
 Do not break or ask questions.

For those who don't know:  "G'mar Chatima Tova!" is what we say to each other at Rosh Hashanah time: it means "you should be written for a good year".  That's all it means.

Square, not round

Now it came to pass when he drew closer to the camp and saw the calf and the dances, that Moses' anger was kindled, and he flung the tablets from his hands, shattering them at the foot of the mountain. [Ki Tisa 32:19]

According to the Talmud, the Tablets were each 6 x 6 tefachim in size, and together they filled the Ark, leaving no space [Bava Basra 14a].  From this we see that the Tablets were square in shape.

Furthermore, there is a halachic principle that the vessels of the Temple are only valid if they are "intact and full". Thus, it was a legal imperative that the Tablets filled the Ark completely leaving no space.  Obviously, ths would preclude them from being rounded in shape.

The concept of tablets with rounded tops is actually non-Jewish in origin, being derived from Roman tradition (the nation that destroyed our holy Temple).  Nevertheless, the image found its way into our books due to the non-Jewish censorship of printing spanning many centuries.  As a result, today there are even religious Jews who depict the tablets as being round on the top, contrary to the Talmud.

It is a mitzvah to publicize at every opportunity that, according to Jewish sources, the Tablets are square in shape.

[Based on Sichas Shabbos Parshas Ki Tisa 5741 - Lubavitcher Rebbe]