Greetings from the East Coast! Chani and I express much gratitude to Hashem for the wonderful blessing of seeing our daughter Rochel marry her wonderful and smart husband Abi. We thank you all for participating in the joyous occasion of their wedding and we look forward to celebrating together for many years to come.
As the wedding celebration continues through the weekend, we are mindful of the national celebration of Inauguration Day in America. One of the cornerstones of the democracy we are blessed to live in, the peaceful transition of power is a cause for joyful reflection. As a “Kingdom of Kindness” with a divine mandate to bring justice and morality to the entire world, it is invigorating to see the system work.
Yet there will always be one side that is disappointed with the dynamics of the event. Losing an election is upsetting and what does Judaism teach us in this regard? Our sages caution in Pirkei Avot “Pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear of it, men would swallow one another alive.” Even a disastrous government is much better than no government. We always count our blessings.
In this week’s parsha G-d communicates to Moshe His desire that he be the messenger for redemption. Moshe’s first rendezvous with the divine is in the setting of a burning - yet unconsumed - thorn bush. This brought powerful context to the mission at hand. G-d was communicating an important message to the oppressed and enslaved children of Israel.
1) Throughout all these years of suffering G-d is suffering together with them (as indicated by the thorns). The same is true about all subsequent exiles as well. 2) No matter the challenges the Jewish people currently face or will experience in the future – they will never disappear (as indicated by the miraculous fact that the bush remained unconsumed).
As a Jewish nation, we have witnessed the long twists and turns of the history of civilization. To put it mildly, we have been around the block a few times. Throughout, we have learned to pray for the welfare of our host countries at all times.
May the new president be a true advocate for the American people and a defender of or brethren in the Land of Israel. And may he succeed in leading the United States of America to new heights in all areas of concern: Our economy and the state of education with an emphasis on morality and kindness.