When others murmur

 B’haalot’cha

Num. 8:1 - 12:16

 

Précis: The parasha begins with a description of the making of the seven-branched menorah, a central Jewish symbol. Next, the Levites are given specific directions for their duties. The parasha returns to narrative with a recounting of a second Passover celebration (required because some of the Israelites had been ritually impure when the first anniversary of Passover was celebrated). Following is a discussion of the making of silver trumpets. The cloud of God’s Presence lifts, and the march of the People through the wilderness of Sinai begins, led by the Ark of the Covenant. The people begin to murmur, this time about a lack of meat. God provides, but the People are struck with a plague. This time, even Miriam and Aaron seem to have complaints about Moses, cast in terms of their critique about his “Cushite woman.” Moses is stressed by the demands of leadership.

 

Num. 11:1 “And the people were murmurers, speaking evil in the ears of Adonai, and when Adonai heard it, His anger was kindled....”

           

The People of Israel begin their journey and immediately start to “murmur” about their lack of meat to eat.

            Today, we face an increasing murmur by others: those who make no distinction between Israeli policy and with Jews in general. One can and should criticize the Israeli government for actions with which one disagrees. But to deny the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish nation is not merely anti-Israel but antisemitic.  

            I am this week particularly upset with recent statements attributed to certain elected officials who insist on using words like “genocide” and “apartheid” in connection with Israel. I am also upset with statements attributed to the founders of the Black Lives Movement who express their “solidarity” with BDS and the Palestinians, and who compare the deadly police brutality Black people have experienced in the United States to acts by the police and IDF in Israel.

            I believe there is systemic racism in our country, and that America has not adequately addressed our original sin of slavery. As someone who appears to be White to others, I recognize that I am the beneficiary of White Privilege. I have been an ally, as have most Jews in this country, of all who are oppressed because of their race, national origin, religion, or sexual identity. I have contributed to such causes, and posted signs declaring my support for those who have been oppressed in our country. I have understood who and what I am, and engaged in these activities because my Jewish heritage informs my thoughts and actions. I cannot stand idly by and watch my neighbor’s blood be spilled. My beliefs and actions are not based on an assumption that when I support “the other” that they in turn will support me and my fellow Jews in overcoming antisemitism. But I wonder where our supporters are now, when we do need their support.

            Although I usually am slow to criticize much of American media because of their unbalanced coverage of Israeli/Palestinian matters, today I must state that these media murmurers have stepped over the line too many times, and hold Israel to a higher standard than any other nation. This has caused an increased blurring of the line between the Jewish State and all Jews. It is systemic antisemitism.

            It is no coincidence that attacks on Jews in the streets and on Jewish institutions have increased dramatically with increased murmuring against Israel. Fortunately, there remain some voices who see reality and understand that it is the Palestinians who are responsible for their fate. They have not only rejected peace with Israel, but they have thrown their lot in with Hamas, which revels in sending thousands of rockets at civilian targets while hiding their firing places in schools and hospitals.

            I call out those who murmur! This is not a time to post that we “Stand by Israel” if we disagree with the policies of the State of Israel. But it is time to confirm that we stand by the People of Israel, wherever they may be located, and we voice our clear and convincing rejection of antisemitism, and ask all people of good conscience to support us in our current time of need.

Admonition?

B’Har-Bechukotai

Lev. 25:1 – 27:34

 

Précis: In B’har, the parasha begins with a description of the Sabbatical Year and the Jubilee (Yovel) Year. In the 50^th (Jubilee) Year, we are to “proclaim liberty throughout the land” and property is restored to its ancestral owners. The parasha continues with the prohibition against unlimited slavery, as well as the rules for the treatment of those who are slaves.

            Bechukotai is the final parasha in Vayikra, and begins with a statement promising blessing if the People follow Adonai’s ways. The blessings are discussed in detail. But, if the People disobey, terrible punishments will be visited upon them, and these, too, are listed in agonizing detail. The Book of Leviticus then concludes (as it opened) with regulations regarding the upkeep of the Sanctuary, from voluntary tithes, land gifts, firstborn redemption, and the tithes of flocks.

 

Lev. 26:30 “I will destroy your cult places and cut down your incense stands, and I will heap your carcasses upon your lifeless fetishes.”

 

            Near the end of the parasha, we encounter the promise of a good life if we obey God’s laws, but an admonition (the “tochacha”) if we fail to do so. The threats are too much to bear in their specificity and cruelty.

            I am not one who believes that God punishes the wicked in this world; my own thoughts are that the Torah sets out an ethos through which we are to be guided. Sometimes, the consequences of a failure to follow a correct path have horrid circumstances.

            Last week, we witnessed a heretofore unimaginable tragedy, the death of 45 (mostly) haredi celebrants at a Lag B’omer festival in Jerusalem. Brought about by what is being called a stampede. I am not suggesting that God decided to slay these unfortunates. I am suggesting, however, that many have become part of a “cult” which removes them from Israeli society in many ways, and allows them to exert the kind of political power which allowed the government to waive important COVID and safety precautions to placate their cultish views.

            My heart goes out to the families of those who have died, but pray that their deaths not be in vain: that the haredi citizens of Israel recognize that they, too, must participate in Israeli life, follow law, and cease using their political power for the sake of their own cultish ends which are a threat to themselves, Israel, and the world Jewish community.