The Key To Jewish Survival
This week’s Torah portion, Haazinu, provides a prophetic snapshot of our nation’s long history. It speaks of G-d’s eternal love for His nation. The Torah speaks glowingly of how the Jews followed G-d in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt, trusting that He would provide for their needs. He subsequently brings them to the Land of Israel where they are afforded all the amenities: peace in the land and abundant wealth.
These good times eventually lead the Jews to turn away from G-d. They forsake His calling and turn to new-age deities. They turn their backs on their great heritage.
G-d sends them into exile when they no longer appreciate His great kindness. He scatters them across the globe where they are subjected to foreign rulers who treat them harshly and mercilessly. They are victims of frequent persecutions.
But something miraculous takes place. As much as the Jews suffer, they still survive as a people! This spurs the Jews to realize that G-d may have punished them for their sins but He has not abandoned them. He is always watching over His beloved nation. This spurs them to “return” to G-d by renewing their commitment to the Torah and its laws. G-d will ultimately take revenge on those nations who harmed His people. The Jewish Nation will then return to the Land of Israel in all its glory at the time of the ultimate redemption.
This message is especially appropriate for this time of year. We find ourselves between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, a time called Aseres Yemai Teshuva the Ten Days of Repentance. It is during these days that we look for ways to better ourselves in the service of G-d, to “return” to Him as best we can. It is therefore appropriate to focus on the special relationship between G-d and the Jewish People in these special days when we seek to elevate ourselves spiritually.
No other nation can boast of being called the “Chosen Nation.” We were selected from among all other nations to receive the Torah from G-d, because He loves the Jewish People. We possess the ultimate source of wisdom in the world, the Torah, as our guide to life. Our moral values are the framework for most world religions. Indeed, we need not seek enlightenment from any other religions, but rather they can look to us for guidance.
A famous story is told of a wandering Jew who traveled all around the world in search of the truth. He tried out different spiritual experiences to see which one best answered his calling, to no avail. Finally, someone suggested that he seek out the Dalai Lama for spiritual guidance. He trekked through the inaccessible Asian mountain passes and dangerous terrain, with the knapsack containing his life belongings hanging on his back, to the remote area in Tibet where the Dalai Lama resided. He prepared himself as best he could for the few moments he would spend with the pious leader. After eagerly awaiting his turn, he had the opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama face to face.
“What religion do you belong to?” asked the Dalai Lama.
“I was born a Jew,” he answered sheepishly, “but it has no value to me.”
“Then I suggest you go back home and learn what it’s all about,” replied the Dalai Lama. “Every religion in the world is based on your religion. Why settle for second best when you can have the real thing?”
Through our long history, our nation has experienced both the good times and the difficult times described in this week’s Torah portion. May we merit to see the fulfillment of the last prophecy, the ultimate redemption, when the Jewish Nation will reside in the Land of Israel in true peace and security.