Tanslation by Yehoshua Siskin
All week long we have been hearing news reports about missile barrages and terrorists that were eliminated and the progress of our military operation in Gaza from one round to the next. Yesterday to our dismay we learned of the first casualty of the enemy's missile attack -- a 70-year-old man, as yet unidentified, in the city of Rehovot.
Shabbat is the time to rise above the events of the day. Not to disengage from reality, but rather to connect to our magnificent story. To pray for a victory that is not just a deterrent to future attacks, not just a cease-fire, but a permanent end to hostilities. This victory would be the lasting triumph of good over evil and herald the arrival of true peace.
And these are the precise blessings that appear in this week's Torah portion: that the nation of Israel will recognize what it truly is and fulfill its purpose to bring blessing to the entire region and ultimately to the entire world. Then we will live with prosperity and security, with joy and peace, which is what Shabbat and redemption are all about.
As God promises us: "I will give your rains in their time, the Land will yield its produce, and the tree of the field will give forth its fruit. . . you will eat your food to satiety, and you will live in security in your land. And I will grant peace in the Land."
If only we will see all of this come to pass speedily in our days. Shabbat shalom and may we hear only good news.
