David replied, “you come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of HaShem, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day HaShem will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down … and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.”
Ten years ago, I wrote in a whisper to prepare for the day. Five years ago, I wrote in a voice a few decibels higher to prepare for the day. Now my voice is hoarse from screaming, to prepare for the day that will be followed when there will be no one to listen…
HaShem began the Torah describing His act of creation out of nothing, thus establishing His “ownership”. It dawned on me that every parasha in Bereisheit has to do with Jewish possession of the holy land. For example, let’s consider two seemingly unrelated incidents: the first international war, and Akeidat Yitzchak.
Hardcore Torah-true Jews will never forsake the millions and millions of Jews who came before. From the time of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai through such time that we will have proven ourselves worthy of the honor of being the chosen nation, we remain steadfastly Am Israel.
We were caught unprepared due to the overconfidence of the IDF, and cycles of broken leadership – egocentric, ineffective communication, divisiveness, and out of touch with the average Israeli. How can we remedy the situation and restore our merits in the eyes of HaShem?
This week’s parasha begins with the gift and challenge of free-will that distinguishes us from all other species in HaShem’s creation – giving us the freedom to make choices that can lead to blessings or curses.
