The call of humanity fascinates me and the call of Hashem to the Jewish People inspires me.
It is said "If G-D gives you something you can do, why in G-D's name wouldn't you do it".
It is with these thoughts in mind that I share with you a most awesome and inspiring experience that I had this past week. Mimi and I with over 18,000 men, women, and 4,000 High School and college students young attended the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington D.C.
It was amazing that all those who attended have a deep seeded feeling for the State of Israel. Their allegiance to Zionism cuts across all lines of religion and creed and their goals are to influence the United States government to help assure the survival and security of the Jewish Holy Land.
I was overwhelmed with emotion to hear the testimony of so many and of their love for our homeland and I can understand and envision what a future messianic period would look like, "ביום ההוא יהיה הי אחד ושמו אחד - when all the world will stand up and declare the oneness of G-D.
The slogan of the conference was "Many Voices - One Mission." As Jews, we would never deny the importance of 'Our Mission,' the survival of our Jewish State. We must welcome, with open arms, everyone who wishes to help us with this goal and we must do so with love and friendship. With their help, and the help of Hashem, we will declare with all our might, עם ישראל חי.
The Sedrah this Shabbat is Vayikrah. The opening words are ויקרא אל משה וידבר הי G-D called to Moshe and said.... ; The question that troubles so many Torah commentaries is “Why was it necessary for Hashem to call Moshe and then state what He wants of him. Why not go straight to the וידבר, and tell Moshe what He wants of him?”
Rashi in his inimitable fashion suggests that the idea of "calling" reflects a calling out of love and endearment. I sense that, more than ever, our times demand a calling from one Jew to another. Not a mere calling, but an intensified relationship between one Jew and another. In the words of Rashi;, “A relationship with חבה, loving and understanding - A relationship that fosters peace and friendship.”
This idea can be extended by the interesting fact that we begin out Seder with an invitation to all who are in need, הא לחמא עניא. These words express an important directive in Yahadus. As Jews we need to reach out to others. Judaism is not an exclusive club but rather an inclusive religion, inviting everyone to be part of our glorious way of life. The fact that we will read extensively in Sefer Vayikrah about Karbanos, suggests that the word קרבנות, is derived from the word קרב. Through our Karbonos, we come closer to Hashem. I am equally suggesting that as we come closer to G-D, we need, desperately, to come closer to each other. These are crucial times for עם ישראל and our main goal is to forge a greater alliance of Judaic brotherhood/ sisterhood that will bring about a true and solid unified people.
This is what I saw and felt at the convention. This is what I sense is needed for כלל ישראל, at all times. Enmity must be removed from our way of life and replaced with respect, warmth, as one brother/sister to another.
Permit me conclude with the following idea, "There is a calling for all of us. Every human being has value and purpose. The real work of our lives is to become aware, to become awakened and to answer the call."
This is a propitious time as we prepare to celebrate the Yom Tov of Pesach, speaking of our past Geulah and to focus, as well, on the bringing of the final Geulah for עם ישראל. This can only be achieved if we synchronize all our efforts with respect and love for each other, leading to our גאולה שלמה to see our glorious state of Israel living in peace and security.
שבת שלום ומבורך
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