Rabbi's Blog

When it comes to monetary protection, I sometimes get frustrated with the series of questions that are asked of me to prove my identity. When I go to the bank, other than to my own branch which recognizes and knows me, I am asked to present my identification card. When using a credit card, many clerks ask to see my identification to confirm that I am the owner of the card. As much as this is annoying, I appreciate the fact that it is done for MY protection.

The ultimate protection came last week when an event occurred which most of us would never consider. When checking in luggage prior to boarding a flight, the attendant hands each passenger a little sticker with numbers that match his checked bag. In all of the travels I’ve taken in my life, I have found only one airport that still checks each luggage tag to be sure it matches the luggage: La Guardia airport in N.Y. Everyone, after finally collecting their luggage,  typically rushes away from the baggage pick-up area with their luggage only to be stopped by a person whose job is to match the luggage with the tag. Aside from the fact that this seemingly simple check causes yet another line on which to wait,  I have to search through every pocket in my clothing and all my hand luggage to locate the needed tags. I always viewed this as a complete waste of time and inconvenience, but ultimately accepted the fact that this was in my best interest. It didn’t take but a few hours to realize how true this is. Later that day I picked  someone up from JFK airport. Low and behold there was a luggage switch requiring me to travel back to the airport to return the incorrect bag and collect the correct bags. I thought to myself how much time, effort, and money could have been spared if they had someone matching the luggage ticket numbers to ensure that people have selected their bag and not a bag that just looks like theirs.  

Growing up and living in a free and well-maintained society has given all of us  a sense of safety and security. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age we are faced with an increased threat of terrorism from abroad and higher incidence of domestic crime. During these emergency situations the authorities will take great measures to protect the civilian population in order to keep them safe and secure. These extra measures to provide greater security frequently come at a cost to convenience and some sacrifice to the lifestyle we Americans expect. For example, an entire town may be shut down when there are escaped prisoners  on the loose. In a community experiencing a rash of home break-ins, windows and doors are locked and burglar alarms may be installed.  People typically understand and are willing to accept the impact such unpleasant situations have  on their immediate lives. Nevertheless, there are other kinds of safety and security measures that are taken for our benefit but are looked down upon………until we experience something that affected us negatively because of the breech of that security.

The Haftorah for this week’s parsha Korach, taken from Shmuel I 11:14, discusses the coronation of Shaul (Saul), the first king of Israel. The contention that Hashem had with the Jewish people when they asked for a king was not about having a king; it was that they asked for a king so they could be like the other nations of the world. Eventually, there would be a king in Israel but now wasn’t the time for it. Dovid was destined to be the first king, but the people demanded that  Shaul be anointed.

I believe the underlying issue of wanting a king so the nation of Israel would  be like every other nation  was the rejection of Hashem as the King of Kings. What does a king bring to the people?  Safety, security, food, civil obedience, and a wholesome life. The Jews were transferring that security and safety which Hashem had provided for them for forty years in the desert to a human being. The king in Jewish life is just another type of messenger from God; it is not God Himself. It is for this reason that the Navi Shmuel reviews the history of what Hashem did for Moshe and Aharon as He took us out of Egypt. Later on as the B’nei Yisrael sinned, Hashem saved us from our enemies by sending other Neviim and leaders. The emphasis on our Forefathers and other leaders is to remind the people that the leaders had the Bitachon, the belief in the security of Hashem. They did not  look for other sources. We, the people, in turn, should look at the top security system in the world. But in order for the system to be effective, there are times when convenience may have to be sacrificed. It is the Torah learning and Mitzva doing that keeps the security system working at full capacity.

The Navi concludes in Passuk 22: “Ki Lo Yitosh Hashem Es Amo Ba’Avoor Sh’mo HaGadol Ki Hoil Hashem Laasos Eschem Lo L’Am”, “ For Hashem will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake; for the Lord has sworn to make you a people for Himself”. The Midrash Esther Rabbah 7 on this verse states: Whether the Jewish people are guilty or meritorious, He will never leave them because it is impossible for the world to exist without the Jewish people. This is due to the fact Hashem’s name is partnered with the Jews. Yehoshua asks in 7:9 if Hashem were to cut off our name from the world, what would happen to Hashem’s name?  Hashem’s name needs to be connected to the Jewish people;  this is the co-existence between Hashem and Am Yisrael which gives the world the security that mankind will continue to exist.

The lives of the Avos were inconvenienced at many junctures in their lifetimes, but that is exactly what guaranteed them safe and secure passage throughout all of their travels.  Human nature is to want to be free and unrestricted in this world. We need to appreciate our ability to protect the world’s security system by performing Mitzvos,  learning Torah.

Ah Gut Shabbos

Rabbi Avraham Bogopulsky