Israel Forever

For the week ending 12 July 2008 / 9 Tammuz 5768

No Fear of the Big Bomb

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

Amidst all the current talk about the nuclear threat posed by Iran the need for taking every measure to prevent that terrorist nation from possessing such a dangerous weapon should not be a source of panic for Jews in Eretz Yisrael.

In this week's Torah portion we learn about an ancient enemy who hired a sorcerer who had the power to wreak nuclear-level destruction upon our ancestors by cursing them at the precise moment of the day when Heavenly anger towards His creatures' shortcomings could make such a malediction deadly effective. Why this did not happen is hinted at in the words of the Prophet Micha which are part of this week's Haftarah: "Remember, my people, what Balak, king of Moab, planned and how Bilam (the sorcerer) responded… that you may know the kindness of G-d." (Micha 6:5)

This kindness, say our Talmudic Sages, consisted of G-d completely withholding His anger during the days that Bilam attempted to curse them.

This historical precedent for Heavenly intervention in preventing an enemy from wreaking massive destruction should be a source of comfort for us that we can rely on the kindness of G-d to secure Israel forever.

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