PARSHAS TZAV

Good Shabbos.  This Thursday I had the honor and pleasure to host a brunch for Israeli Knesset member Benny Elon, and Former Indiana Congressman, Mike Saudrell.  Mr. Elon was in town to thank and to help build further support for Israel among Christians who are committed to the existence and viability of the State of Israel.  

I gave the congressman and Mr. Elon a tour of our synagogue and then we sat together in the library to enjoy what turned into a lovely 2 hour brunch.  (Many thanks to Mrs. Judy Wallace for catering that wonderful meal.)

I had expected to ask Mr. Elon about the situation in Israel and to get his outlook on the many issues facing Israel today. However, as soon as we sat down, Mr. Elon turned to Former Congressman Saudrell and said the following:  “This coming Saturday is known as “the Great Sabbath” and Rabbis are known to deliver an extremely pertinent message to their congregants on this special day.”  He turned to me and asked, “Rabbi, please tell us what your Torah message is for this coming Shabbat.” 

I shared with him that in the beginning of this week’s portion, it says: Aish Tamid Tukad Al Hamizbaech Lo Tzichbe -a constant fire shall burn upon the altar, it shall never go out. (Vayikra 6:6).  I shared the lesson that every Jew has an inner sanctuary and we are obligated to keep a “fire” burning within our hearts at all times.  The fire is the passion and enthusiasm that a Jew must have in his service of G-d and commitment to “Tikkun Olam” to making the world a better place.  

Regretfully, human nature is such that after a long period of time one’s enthusiasm often begins to wane and die down.  We need to remember the lesson of our portion - ”lo tzichbe” - never allow that passion or enthusiasm to be extinguished. 

Mr.  Elon broke into a large smile and congratulated me on the Torah lesson.  ”This is exactly what we face in Israel every day.  We all need to stay vigilant and passionate in the many important issues that face us.  The only question that remains is how to maintain that constant passion that is so vital in virtually every area of life.” 

 I thanked Mr. Elon for his kind remarks and asked him for his thoughts on the many changes going on in Israel today.  Specifically, I asked him what he thought was the significance and implications of Likud coming to power and Benjamin Netanyahu becoming Prime Minister of Israel.  I also asked what were the biggest issues that faced Israel today. 

Mr. Elon shared with me that the recent elections were clear proof that the vast majority of Israeli citizens now realized that the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza and the entire concept of trading land for peace was a terrible mistake.  He explained that the public opinion in Israel was changing and now sought to find new and different models to promote peace and good relations between the people of Israel and its neighbors. 

Mr. Elon was happy that Prime Minister Netanyahu was able to solidify a party which included religious groups as well as the Labor party.  He felt this unity would be most helpful when dealing with the international community on issues such as the threat from Iran. He said that virtually all of the Israeli political parties agree that the greatest threat to Israel is the nuclear intentions of the Iranians.  He felt that this was a situation that had to be dealt with quickly, certainly within the next 12 months. 

Mr. Elon outlined the following scenario as being very likely.  The Israelis and the Americans would agree that Iran had to be segregated from all other nations and dealt with appropriately.  However, in order to separate Syria from Iran, Mr. Elon feared that President Obama might use this as an excuse to strongly pressure Israel to give up the Golan Heights as a gesture of goodwill to the Syrians.

Mr. Elon was adamant that this would be a terrible mistake which would cause untold grief, pain, and terror to the Northern communities of Israel.  He said that the vast majority of all Israelis understand the danger posed to Israel if the Syrian army can use the Golan Heights as a staging ground for missiles and for, G-d forbid, a military incursion into Israel.   He hoped that Prime Minister Netanyahu would have the courage and strength not to bend under any pressure and to resist from making such a dangerous concession. 

Mr. Elon presented a possible solution. He suggested that Israel might return the Golan on paper to the Syrians and then “sublet” it for a period of 50 or 100 years, similar to what transpired with Hong Kong.  If indeed Syria chose peace, then they would get the actual land at the end of that 50 or 100 year period.  But any exchange of land for a mere promise of peace, would be too dangerous and reckless of a choice at this time. 

Mr. Elon concluded that the situation in Israel was really quite good.  He said it was important to remember where we have been and where we are going.  For 1900 years we did not have a Jewish State.  In the last 60 years, we have made amazing accomplishments in the State of Israel.  We have literally seen the desert bloom and cities grow from nothing.  We may have a long way to go but make no mistake; we are on the right path.  We also have to know where we are going.  With G-d’s help, we will soon welcome the Moshiach and an era of true peace and abundant prosperity in the land of Israel. 

Too quickly the time passed and the Mr. Elon had to leave to attend his prescheduled meetings.  I was extremely impressed by his understanding of the issues facing Israel today and his devout faith that ultimately it was G-d who would protect Israel and guide its future.  Indeed, it was his unashamed confidence and positive attitude about the future of Israel which led me to realize the answer to the question he had posed as we sat down to eat brunch together. 

Mr. Elon had asked how one can maintain the inner passion and enthusiasm to remain vigilant in all of the issues which confront us each day?  The answer, I realized from Mr Elon himself.  Indeed, this answer is found in the words of the very  which we discussed.  If you want to keep the fire burning within your heart - lo (which means no) tzichbe (which means extinquish)  - extinguish the “no”.  To remain passionate requires that we extinguish the pessimism, remove the negativity and strive to see the positive in all things.  I saw this clearly from Mr. Elon and I think we would all be well served by remembering it daily. 

I woke up yesterday and was shocked and horrified to read that Palestinian terrorist had viciously murdered a 13 year old boy with a pick ax and seriously injured a young 7 year old child in a horrific attack in the city of Bat Ayin.  I called Minister Elon and asked him the following question.  “In light of this vicious terrorist attack in Bat Ayin on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s very first day in office, what possible lesson and response should we have?”  

He answered that this terrible tragedy was yet another stark reminder that we must remain vigilant and passionate about the safety and security of the entire State of Israel.  He said that this will be the first challenge which Prime Minister Netanyahu will face, yet, if as the head of the nation, Prime Minister Netanyahu remains strong and fearless in his response then the rest of the body of Israel will follow the head and remain strong and resolved to the safety and security of all of Israel.  He suggested that this village build a security fence around their community which is the standard practice in most Jewish settlements in that area.  He said this is a time for Israel to show a strong hand to prevent any such attacks in the future.  Yet he remained totally convinced that the right path was being followed and the future in Israel was extremely positive. 

In conclusion, I must say how pleased I am to share this message as Henny Witzer celebrates her 90^th birthday, because Henny is truly a woman who personifies optimism and a vibrant passion for life.  At 90 years old she is still the life of any party.  She is full of vitality and never allows negativity to darken her thoughts.  On behalf of the entire congregation, I would like to wish Henny a wonderful happy birthday and many more happy, healthy, and passionate, optimistic, enthusiastic years of life.  

May God grant that the prayers which we all shared a year ago at the Seder “Next year in Jerusalem” be quickly fulfilled with the coming of Moshiach so that all Jews return to Israel to an era of peace, safety and abundant blessing and let us say, Amain