When All Seems Lost

Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.

It is ironic that a recent Torah reading includes a chapter titled “Behalotcha” which literally means to light – referring to the Menorah that was the focal point of the Temple. It was the seven-branched candelabra that remained lit 24/7/365. It was a reminder of the eternalness of God and was the light that also recalled the light of learning and of morals and ethics that are required for people to live together. The remnant of that symbol can be found in every Jewish house of worship, whether it is Temple or Synagogue or Bet Hamedrash or Bet Haknesset – all titles for a place to gather and learn and teach and gain understanding about our responsibilities as human-beings.

But that is not all this chapter deals with. To me the main emphasis can be found in the knowledge that Judaism is a religion of action over faith. No single credo defines the Jew. Rather than declaring our reliance on faith, Judaism requires taking action. Throughout the Bible, the Israelites raise doubts over their faith in God – that is not new. The question on the minds of the Israelites as they wander the desert in search of their destiny is whether or not to engage in God’s work. They are constantly complaining about everything from the lack of water, the dust in their mouths from the sand storms or the endless travel seeming to go nowhere. In fact they actual bemoan their fate with doubts and fears. They begrudgingly move forward to engage in their desire to meet their destiny.

Now we see more than ever the self-doubt that seems to possess us. The world, without provocation or understanding, seems to constantly berate tiny Israel. Israel is forever attempting to explain its desire to live in peace without fear of terrorism or daily bombardments from hostile neighbors. We read time and again of suicide bombers attacking for no reason other than the hatred they are taught from early on. We see children strapped with explosives and commanded to wreak havoc on anyone who is in their path. Little children who have not even learned how to talk or play or enjoy friends and growing-up.

The world looks at this as some sort of ritual that is required to gain acceptance and even admiration. Where is the cry from sane people at this wanton waste of humanity? Where is the outpouring of anger against the rankest form of child abuse? Where are the people of conscience who claim to be guardians of humanities collective responsibility for life and liberty and happiness?

Each and every time Israel attempts to defend itself from these horrors, the world looks and sighs because they are, in most instances, successful. Occasionally mistakes are made, and sometimes with horrible results. But if you live with a siege mentality, I am sure you too would make mistakes.

Some will say that God is angry at us. Perhaps so. But if, indeed, God is angry at us it is because we don’t really jump into action when confronted with what seems to be insurmountable obstacles and worrying about what people will say or do. What infuriates God is our constant complaining.

What should we be concentrating on? Simply stated: it is to not only be a light unto the nations as the Menorah reminds us, but also to take action when needed and not expect some miracle to take place to disengage us from the ordeals of life and living. Our spiritual link to God requires us to be active in our approach to the world around us. Not continually be afraid of who we are and what is needed for us to continue to survive and “MOVE-ON.” We learned this lesson rather starkly when we were faced with certain doom at the edge of the Sea until, as the Midrash tells us, we needed to step into the water to make it separate from the dry land. We were required to take that first step in meeting our responsibilities as partners with God, not depending on God to take charge and leave us with no choices.

What we do we do because it is expected of us and our obligation is to stop complaining about things we should not be complaining about. And shaking our head as though all is lost is a sure path to inaction or even worse.

We MUST be ready to participate in ensuring the survival of Israel because our survival rests with that success. And as the Torah portion explains in great detail, fear will only cause destruction. We MUST never be afraid of who we are and what is needed to guarantee our right as a free people who gave the world the light to see the difference between right and wrong.

We didn’t put the match in anyone’s hand to light the Menorah. We offered the possibility to carry the torch and to remain ever mindful of the eternalness of our People. The Menorah stayed lit because we did not allow the flame to die.

And our faith gives us the right to proclaim the sanctity of life and the action that is necessary to guarantee that right.