Words From Rabbi White

Last week. I referred to the sharp divide among Israelis concerning the Israeli election, and in that context mentioned Rashi's comment as to the purpose of the whole Book of Genesis: to show the connection of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel.

This past week, we had the American mid-term elections, and the concern of many Jews was how the outcome could affect America's relation to Israel.

So, here is a thought that I have discussed in CS in years past, and deserves repetition now:

This week's parasha tells of (a) in the 4^th and 5^th aliya, the birth of Isaac: mirabile dictu, for he was born to a mother who was a most senior citizen, and who even in her younger years had been unable to conceive.

(b) in the 6^th aliya, we read that Avraham made a peace treaty with Avimelech, king of the residents of Gaza.

>> When I was younger, I always assumed that we can see from here the importance of making peace treaties.

(c) But then, in the 7^th aliya, HaShem tells Avraham to sacrifice this son Isaac.

What!? How can that be?

Well, the great commentator Rashbam (grandson of Rashi,) notes the juxtaposition of the two stories: namely, the peace treaty and the birth of Isaac. Rashbam says that this is a lesson for Abraham and his descendants: just as Isaac's life seemed to be in peril, were he not saved by a last minute reprieve from an angel, so "the Holy One was angered by this treaty, for the land of the Plishtim [i.e. Gaza and environs] was included in the territory of Israel... and that's why God tested Abraham, and caused him anguish [by telling him to sacrifice Isaac]..."

To be fair, to the best of my knowledge, Rashbam is the only one of the classic early commentators with that point of view, but never-the-less it is a point worth considering.

May the leaders of Israel and its allies have the wisdom to do what is right!

Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi Menahem White