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Our Sedra of Matot begins by discussing the laws of oaths, then talks about Israel's war against Midian, Moshe’s anger at Bnei Yisrael’s failure to kill the evil women of that nation, & the distribution of the spoils resulting from the war. I suggest that all of these subjects relate directly to the dramatic events happening this week in our beloved country.
One of the primary attributes of Hashem is that He is an erech apayim; patient, & slow to anger. Rather than punish the wrong-doers right away, He prefers to give His creations time to right their wrongs & do the right thing. But the phrase "slow to anger" indicates that, at some point, anger is totally justified! There is a boiling point (or "tipping point") when justice must be done & punishment must be meted out. At that point, the war must be a total one, where all those who tried to destroy us – the combatants as well as their evil supporters – are legitimate targets.
That is our most sacred national oath & vow - to defend our citizenry from harm.
The State of Israel has, by all accounts, been an erech apayim, patient & forbearing while under fire – perhaps even TOO tolerant. We allowed countless acts of murder & mayhem to be perpetrated against us, giving the adversary numerous opportunities to change their ways & act in a civilized manner. But, alas, they only became worse with time, & increased their deadly belligerence.
And so, finally, we acted and reacted as a proud nation of G-dly people should react. And the scope of our attack against the cruel & barbaric enemy, like that against Midian, must be wide & all-inclusive. As Moshe rebuked his officers, a war of national vengeance cannot be half-hearted.
Let me add one other piece to this paradigm.
The pasuk says that the Jewish soldiers brought the spoils of war to Moshe, Elazar HaKohen & the people. Why did they do this? Rashi explains that they were demonstrating their honesty & integrity, that they took nothing which was not rightfully theirs. This high standard of "t’hor he-neshek," purity of arms, still characterizes our holy chayalim, who make up the purest & most moral fighting force in the world today – perhaps in all of history.
May these amazing virtues compel the Almighty to bring our nation safety, success & lasting security in our land.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
