FOCUS and PERCEPTION

 As we approach the solemn nine day period of mourning for our Holy Beit Hamikdash I ask, “What should our demeanor be during these few days?” The answer is reflective in our outward observances, such as not shaving , not eating meat, not drinking wine, which is, understandable, according to Halacha. But I am searching for much more. This period must engender a greater sense of introspection into our observances, touching more of how it affects our inner core of being a Jew in this tumultuous period of history. A time that we are experiencing more anti semitism, and more negativism towards our Jewish State.

Do I have all the answers to our dire situation? No! But I do realize that if we wait until circumstances are precisely right for us to achieve and accomplish something, then, very often, nothing ever will be accomplished or achieved. Neither we nor circumstances are ever precisely right. I sense that to succeed in changing things and in achieving our goals, we are to whine less over our fate and start to take whatever has been given to us and make the best of it, by rallying our political and spiritual forces.

Judaism directs us to reject any and every kind of fatalism that denies us the freedom and the ingenuity to choose a way to strike out against the evil forces that wish to

 de legitimize our Judaic rights.

We must not let others judge our role as Jews, especially those who seem to be on the periphery. We need to take a somber look at what is important to me as a Jew and to recognize what is right and what is wrong in our society - to focus more on what is valuable for our existence as a Jew and to pursue those goals.

If we wish to change the perceptions what others have of us, then we need to begin to see our true selves and perfect our G-D given qualities.

Ask me, “Where do I begin?” This is my reply;

“Have I grown more caring? Have I become more forgiving? Have I become more tolerant? Have I become more generous or more self centered? Have I held onto the principles of our faith, and have, with my life, built a Sanctuary to G-D?”

Doing all this may not change the way others look at us, but it will send a message that, as a Jew, our world is much better off with us being a part of it, and for mankind to count their Blessings that there is a glorious and the benevolent State of Israel, transforming the entire Middle East into a Democratic environment.

Taking these thoughts to heart, we may readily understand the entire episode of Moshe’s dealing with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, in their request to remain on the East side of the Jordan, rather than cross over with the entire Jewish people into the land of Canaan.

The request seems to be upsetting to Moshe as he saw it as an avarice act on their behalf. It seemed that they were only concerned with their flocks, and the wealth it would bring to them, more than their concern for their families and, especially, their children. This angered Moshe for he knew, as we know today, our children come first, and to focus more on their needs and especially their education. Their spirituality, is the essence of what Judaism stands for, and it is the foundation that supports our way of life. Only after being convinced that these S’hvatim realized this truism, that he acquiesced to their requests

This idea is intensified as we recall the words of the Birchat Kohanim, “May Hashem bless you with earthly possessions and keep these possessions from possessing you. May He shield you against the destructive effects that too often followon the heels of prosperity.”

This, I sense, was bothering Moshe after the request and until he was sure otherwise, he did not want to agree to their request.

The lesson is simple but greatly needed for our success. Place our trust in Hashem, and more so place our trust in ourselves that we have the G-D given power and the wherewithal to engender change in the false perceptions that are engulfing so many of our own constituents and those who are maligning our Jewish State.

Oscar Wilde wrote ”Anybody can sympathize with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathize with a friend’s success”.

Until those who find fault with Israel and the Jewish People realize how belligerent and wrong they are in their perception of the Jewish people and the role they play in society, we, as the עם הנבחר, will continue to strengthen our אמונה, by experiencing greater אהבה for our Jewish brethren and to assure that our priority at the present time are our children and to continuously provide them with the a greater sense of loyalty and pride in our Judaic way of life.

Our quarrel is not with Jews who are different, but with Jews who are indifferent.