A Man of Valor

Yitro

Exodus 18:1 - 20:23

Précis:  Following last week’s trip through the Red Sea, Moses is reunited with his father-in-law Jethro (“Yitro”), and with his family. Yitro acknowledges God, gives wise advice to Moses about delegating responsibility, and Moses appoints assistants (judges). The Israelites come to the foot of Mount Sinai where, in the definitive transcendental experience, we read the story of Revelation, as the “Ten Utterances” (Commandments) are spoken to the People by the very Voice of God.

Ex. 18:17-22 “…And Jethro said, ‘What you are doing is not right. You will surely wear yourself out, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.... You should seek out from among all the people men of valor who fear God, trustworthy men, men who spurn ill-gotten gains…as chiefs of thousands, hundred, fifties, tens and let them judge the people.... Have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them decide every minor dispute themselves. Make it easier for yourself, and let them share the burden with you.’”

One element of leadership cited in this verse is of particular importance this week: “Anshei chayil" (men of valor). While we usually translate the word “chayil” as “valor” in battle, Maimonides suggests that “chayil” in this verse means a man who is “wise, alert and fair in the administration of justice.” 

               Such leaders were vital to the Israelites, and are no less vital today. With the recent death of Ariel Sharon, the founding generation of the modern State of Israel has lost one of its last surviving members. Sharon was a man of many contradictions, but was certainly a “ish chayil” - a man of valor. First and foremost, he was a brave and valiant warrior. He was one of the originators of the concept of counter-terrorism, risking his own life to prevent terrorists from wreaking havoc on Israelis. He fought in every war from the War of Independence through the Lebanon War. As a tank commander in the Yom Kippur War, he was responsible for recapturing the Sinai, crossing the Suez and trapping the Egyptian army, leading to the cease fire ending that conflict, and paving the way for a peace treaty with Egypt.
               In the Lebanon incursion, he was held responsible for failing to prevent the massacres of hundreds of Palestinians at the Shatila and Sabra camps by Phalangist Christian Lebanese allies of Israel. While Sharon was successful is forcing the PLO out of Lebanon, his actions may have laid a basis for the ascendency of Hamas in southern Lebanon and ultimately in Gaza.
               Disgraced by this act of omission, he found within himself the resolve to return to political life, and eventually became Prime Minister, where he displayed the wisdom of an “ish chayil” being wise, alert, and fair as he oversaw the withdrawal of Israeli settlements from Gaza. He planned on additional withdrawals from the West Bank when he was struck down by the stroke which eventually claimed his life. Some will argue that Sharon held too strongly to the belief the Arabs could not and never would accept a Jewish state in their midst. He felt that real peace was not possible until the Arab position changed, and that therefore negotiations were essentially worthless. Other detractors suggested that his withdrawal of settlements from Gaza was a great error. Whether this was wisdom or error remains a matter of debate today, both within Israel and around the world.
               Our tradition tells us that no leader, no “ish chayil,” is without fault. Even Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land because of his errors. Sharon certainly had his own share of faults, but his devotion to the well-being of Israel, making war when war was needed and seeking peace when he could, cannot be denied. Rest in peace, Ariel Sharon, an “ish chayil.”

Beautiful Mitzvot

B'shalach

Exodus 13:17-17:16

Précis: And when Pharaoh “had let them go” (b’shalach), the story of the Exodus from Egypt is almost concluded. Carrying with them the bones of Joseph and the “spoils of Egypt,” Moses leads the Israelites by way of the Red (or Reed) Sea. They cross the sea ahead of Pharaoh’s pursuing army, which subsequently drowns. Moses sings his triumphant Song of the Sea, and Miriam’s song of joy follows. The Israelites begin to murmur against Moses and Aaron because of a lack of food and water. God provides heavenly “manna” to eat and provides water as well. The Shabbat is introduced as a day of rest, even before it appears in the Ten Commandments. In their first battle, with Amalek, the Israelites are successful as long as Moses’ hands remain in the air, and with the help of Aaron and Joshua (who support Moses’ arms), they prevail.

Ex.15:2 "This is my God, and I will glorify Him."

               Erica Brown has written (Leading with Meaning 2/14/13) that this verse is a proof text for the Sages for the mitzvah of beautification of our Jewish lives (“hidur mitzvah”), noting that the Talmud tells us “Make before Him a beautiful sukkah, a beautiful lulav, a beautiful shofar, beautiful ritual fringes, beautiful parchment for a Torah scroll, and write in it His name in beautiful ink, with a beautiful quill by an expert scribe, and wrap the scroll in beautiful silk fabric (BT Shabbat 133b).’”

               This beauty comes with a significant price tag, as we all know. The Talmudic statements are insisting that there is a command to invest in our ritual objects, to beautify them, adding to the feeling we experience when they are used. There is an additional consideration related to beautifully made ritual objects: they are handed down from generation to generation. From my father, z’l, I treasure his silver kiddush cup, reserving its use for only the most special occasions. My daughter adores her candlesticks, an inheritance from my mother, z’l. When an overactive candle damaged one of the candle sticks, I brought it to a local craftsman who suggested that I simply replace it with a duplicate, since the model was still easily obtained. In fact, he said, it would be less expensive to buy a new one than to repair the damaged one. I of course had it repaired.

               Someday, we will leave behind our own treasures to future generations who will inherit a kiddush cup or candle sticks or the family seder plate or chanukiot we ourselves have used. They may think of us as these objects are used, creating a physical link between the generations.