When the Ark was to set out, Moses would say:
Advance, O Eternal One!
May Your enemies be scattered,
And may Your foes flee before You!
And when it halted, he would say:
Return, O Eternal One,
You who are Israel’s myriads of thousands!
Bemidbar/Numbers 10:35-36
These very familiar verses from this week’s Torah portion, sung with gusto as we carry the Torah through the congregation, feel especially redolent with meaning this Shabbat. For our Israelite ancestors setting forth from Mt Sinai on their journey to the Promised Land these passages were an articulation of their confidence in God’s Presence in their midst and divine guidance into the unknown.
Throughout the Book of Bemidbar, the emphasis has been upon the military preparedness of the Israelite camp as it prepares for confrontations with its enemies. Thus, in addition to guiding the Israelites through the wilderness, the Ark is seen as a palladium, a sign of God’s Presence in battle. That these verses are articulated as a prayer before God is a reminder that the presence of the Ark was not a guarantee that the God of Israel was with Israel in all of its endeavors; a warning that not all military endeavors receive divine approbation.
Yesterday, Israel made a heavy but necessary decision to take pre-emptive and decisive military action to dismantle Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities. In a world of continued instability and danger, Iran has brazenly pushed forward its nuclear ambitions, disregarding international agreements and relentlessly calling for the destruction of our homeland. This is not just a geopolitical issue; it is a matter of Israel’s very survival.
Overnight, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a large-scale military excursion against Iran, reportedly causing substantial damage to Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities. In response, Iran is currently attacking Israel, and the country has been experiencing significant security developments.
Israel’s Home Front Command has instructed the public to remain indoors, stay close to shelters, and leave only when absolutely necessary. In accordance with instructions, all synagogue services across the country have been canceled this Shabbat.
Our fervent prayers are with the people of Israel. We pray for the success of the IDF and for the safety of those seeking shelter in the shadow of the threat of retaliation. We pray the words of the prophet Isaiah:
Go, my people, enter your chambers, and lock your doors behind you.
Hide but a little moment, until the indignation passes. (Isaiah 26:20)
As Shabbat approaches in Israel and around the world, we stand together, praying for peace and calm, for the safety and security of the people of Israel, for the safe return of all our soldiers, for strength and for hope.
Shabbat Shalom –
Rabbi David M. Eligberg
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