Torah

Boruch Hashem, six more live hostages were returned this past week. Many of them, along with other former hostages, have spoken about how they felt a special closeness to Hashem during their terrible ordeal. People who were far from any religion before Simchas Torah have become closer to Judaism, mainly because of this feeling. Where does it come from? 

Imagine you are on a train, traveling toward your destination. You look to your right and see a fellow passenger. Attempting to be friendly, you ask him where he’s heading. He shrugs his shoulders and says, “I don’t know.” Confused, you ask again. He repeats, “I’m just riding the train. I don’t know where I’m going.” At this point, you begin to wonder if this guy is out of his mind. Who goes on a train without a destination in mind?

There was a peasant farmer in old Russia standing at the side of the road, weeping profusely. As he stood there, the Czar happened to pass by in his royal coach. The Czar saw the peasant, and when he noticed him weeping, he stopped his chariot to inquire what was wrong.

Less than a month in office and President Donald Trump is changing everything.  The culture, the way government functions, diplomatic relationships, tax policy, the border, and a dozen other topics all have been affected by Trump’s seemingly endless series of Executive Orders.  The news is coming so fast from the White House that by the time one order is covered by the media and protested by the Democrats, the public is two or three topics removed from it.  This breakneck speed is creating a massive shift in the country - so much so that Trump is basically resetting how the country works.

With everything happening that’s been happening, there’s been some other news in Israel. The Supreme Court appointed a new president, without the consent of the elected government. It’s a continuation of the fights surrounding the judicial reform. I won’t bore you with all the details. But I will say, that this is not the Torah’s ideal at all of a proper justice system.   

As I am writing this, the news from Eretz Yisrael is nerve wracking. This past week has been like a roller-coaster of good and bad. There was President Trump’s announcement of his plans for Gaza, which came as a complete surprise! Empty Gaza of all the people (read: terrorists), clear it out, and rebuild from scratch.