There's a lot of talk on both sides of the aisle about the deal with Iran this week, and emotional tensions are at an all time high. But I passionately believe that both arguments are completely missing the point.
At this epic moment in the history of our nation, we are faced with the option of making the exact same mistake that Jews have struggled with since their inception. Many of us believe that we are a nation like all others and that our security, like all other nations, is subject to the friendships, loyalties, and alliances of the nations that surround us.
But the thundering call of Moses to our People, rings loud and clear: If you will survive the vicissitudes of time, you must recall that you are a nation set apart, not governed by the laws that govern other nations: 'Hein am Levadad yiskoin uvagoyim lo yis'chashav'. Simply put, the laws of logic and nature dictate the survival of all other nations, but not the Jews.
So what then, pray tell, governs the survival of the Jews?
We utter this truth twice daily: Shma Yisrael Havayae Elokeinu..' Hear O Israel, Havaye is your power...' Chassidic Theology clarifies to us that the name of G-d, Havaye, represents G-d as He is not subject to the laws of time, space and nature. Indeed this name of G-d is comprised of the words past, present and future all into one word, signifying G-d as He controls nature and is not governed by it. It is this energy level from whence the Jews nurture their survival.
You don't have to take my word for it. Just look back at every war the Jews have fought since Israel declared independence in 1948. Doesn't it strike you as odd that we have survived against impossible odds, establishing Israel as one of the mightiest nations in the world!?
How a nation the size of New Jersey can compete with China, USA and Russia is absolutely dumbfounding and somewhat disturbing. It defies all logic, all rhyme and reason, and can only be attributed to the reality that the survival of the Jews has nothing to do with the laws of nature, nothing to do with politics.
Indeed, Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion famously said: 'In Israel, in order to be a realist you must believe in miracles.'
So, instead of fussing exclusively over the President's historic/notorious deal, take some time to reflect on your own identity as a Jew, and your personal connection to Hashem. Our strength depends not only on politics; history proves to us that it relies heavily on our spiritual connection as well!
At this significant moment in our national security, I urge you meditate on how you can actually make a tangible difference to the security of our people from those who desire to harm us. Light candles tonight before 7:58 PM, lay tefillin with us mornings at 7:30 AM or have a cup of coffee with me to discuss other options and ideas.
Of course, we must make every effort to take political steps with sure footing, and it's important to lobby your senators and congressmen as you feel necessary. But to think that the survival of Israel lies exclusively in the hands of politicians is to fall prey to the same mistake that Jews have made for thousands of years. Let's be smart. Lets do this one right!
Wishing you a Shabbos of Connection to our True Source,
Rabbi Dovid and Chana Vigler