Words From Rabbi White

Dear Chevra Shaas/Shearith israel

IS IT GOOD FOR THE JEWS? THEN AND NOW

The sudden turn of events in Syria has left us all perplexed.  On the one hand, we are greatly relieved to see the diminishing of Iran’s influence and the toppling of the cruel regime of Bashar al-Assad. And yet, the jihadis who overthrew Assad are far from being numbered among the 36 righteous upon whom the world stands.

In this week’s parasha, Yaakov Avinu was probably likewise perplexed. He is surely wondering: what will happen from his meeting with Esav? Yaakov sends a delegation to meet Esav. Yaakov is trying to be friendly. But he is told that Esav is coming towards him accompanied by 400 men. Yaakov is surely confused: are these men soldiers meaning to fight him, or to extend to him a greeting? Jacob prepares in 3 ways: through prayers, through giving presents, and by making preparation for battle.  When Esav finally meets Jacob, superficially Esav seems friendly, but Jacob remains wary and suspicious.

Likewise, Jacob’s descendants in modern Israel, confront now a confusing situation. We pray that the leaders of Israel should have the wisdom to lead in the proper way.

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After sending everyone ahead of himself, the Torah tells us that Yaakov was alone. [Rashi says that he had forgotten some small items, and went back to get them.] He wrestles with a man [angel] who is unable to defeat Yakov, but does apparently injure Yaakov’s sciatic nerve. To commemorate that incident, we do not eat the “gid ha-nasheh.” But the question can be asked: since Yaakov emerged victorious, shouldn’t the rule be the opposite: why don’t we say that eating the “gid ha-nasheh” should be a mitsvah, to commemorate Yaakov’s victory? [Just like we shall light the menorah in a couple of weeks to commemorate a victory.]

I saw a wonderful answer in the medieval commentary known as “da’at zeqeinim.” The fact that we don’t eat “gid ha-nasheh” is a punishment. Jacob was all by himself, yet none of his sons had volunteered to accompany him. So the prohibition of eating “gid ha-nashe” is there to teach us an important lesson: don’t send your family and guests away without proper guidance.

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Concerning apprehensiveness about intentions: the great concern in northern New Jersey the last couple of days has been the drones flying above our cities. No one seems to know what they are, where they are from? Hopefully, by the time you read this, the matter will have been solved in a positive way.

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Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Menahem White