THE WEEKLY PARSHA

"I Yam What I Yam".
Love, not knowledge (intellectual), is the bond between G-d and man. From G-d's love proceeds only what is good, and punishment is also inherently good. G-d's omnipotence is not merely infinite in time, but also in intensity.
This web site calls everyone from every corner of the world, from whatever cultural, racial, ethnic or social background to realize this basic fact and think of his duties to his Creator. In this message lies the real redemption and happiness of mankind.

THE WEEKLY PARSHA
(Taken from a weekly publication of Hammaayan Institutes.)
Translated by Rabbi Shabtai Teicher

"When you go to war-camp against your enemies, then take care against every evil thing.... Because the L-rd your G-d goes in the midst of your camp to save you, to deliver your enemies before you -- (therefore), your camp shall be holy; any immoral thing shall not be seen among you, lest you will fly backwards" (Duet. 23:10-15).

The Abarbanel writes: "The custom among the gentiles is to eat abominable things and to practice all kinds of immorality. Violence and theft are widespread among them, and they behave with fierce cruelty. Their strength and power derive from human powers. In contrast, the war-camp of Israel is supposed to be characterized by holiness, in order to cling to the power of Divine Providence. They do not make war with their human potential, but with the power of G-d. His Spirit saves them from evil occurrences and delivers their enemies before them."

The uniqueness of the war-making power of Israel is exemplified by that which took place in the war with Amalek, the first war where Israel defended itself against attack. That is the paradigm of Israeli victory over an enemy, when Moshe stood on a mountain and raised his hands. "And when Moshe raised his hands, Israel was victorious; and when he let down his hands, Amalek was victorious" (Exodus 17:11). Concerning this Chazal says, "Do the hands of Moshe make wars or lose wars? But the verse teaches us that all the time that Israel looks towards Heaven and subjugates its heart to their Father in Heaven, then they are victorious; and if not, then they fall."

Moshe repeats this lesson after the calamity of the spies when Israel is on the verge of entering into the Land: "Do not quail before them and do not fear them. The L-rd your G-d who goes before you will fight for you, just as He did all those things for you in Egypt.... (Duet. 1:29-30).

Actually, when Israel is not worthy G-d says to them: "Do not go up, and do not fight, because I am not in your midst; lest you be routed before your enemies" (Duet. 1:42). G-d is the soul of Israel and the secret of their victory. When His Divine Presence is removed from them, then the direct consequence is "...they will chase you like the bees do, and they will smite you ...until Desolation" (Duet. 1:43).

Furthermore, the selection of Israel from all the nations to be a Chosen People and "Children of G-d" is only if they behave accordingly, when they are in a state that they can be called "Children of G-d." Only then does G-d go in the midst of the camp to save His children and deliver their enemies before them. However, if G-d forbid there appears immorality among them, then the uniqueness of Israel is neutralized and they are left to the wiles of nature. In a natural state, a sheep among seventy wolves cannot endure for very long, and they will necessarily fall into the hands of their enemies.

Additionally, we must learn that victory over an enemy entails a very serious danger. It is precisely the strength of the victory which is liable to make us forget G-d, to feel that "My strength and the power of my hand has made for me all this valor." This is the root of pride and the start of all evil character traits. That is why the Torah warns us in this place about the particulars of the mitzvot, even the behavior of a person in his toilet. Even in total privacy a person must remember that there is One who is watching unceasingly.