Sep 22 2009
Parshat Haazinu: Lessons from Shechem, Lessons from History
Fact #1:In the year 2000 the city of Shechem (Nablus), the city in which the famous Biblical figure Yosef HaTzadik (Joseph) is buried, was given over to control of the Palestinian Authority, and Jews were no longer praying there on a regular basis.
Fact #2: In this week’s Torah portion we are told these beautiful and memorable words:
“Remember the days of old, understand the meaning of each generation. Ask your father and he shall instruct you, your elders and they shall tell you…” -Devarim/Deuteronomy 32:7
Many, including myself, believe these words speak of a Jewish obligation to be familiar with our history, and to learn all the lessons that should hopefully accompany such study.
Fact #3: They’re coming to the table again. For what will likely be another fruitless barrage of President Obama telling Netanyahu to not allow for settlement expansion, the politicians are at it once again.
* * *
So what?
What do all these facts have to do with each other?
The answer: EVERYTHING.
You see, I remember it like it was yesterday. Shabbat Parshat Haazinu, nine years ago (!), we were told the awful news. We were told that in yet another attempt to appease the seemingly unappeasable, the Israeli government had relinquished all control over the Nablus region, and handed the keys, so to speak, over to the Palestinian Authority.
Did these measures achieve peace? Did they even set us a step closer? Have we gained in the slightest by the actions of our former (sort of) government officials?
No! Quite the opposite, in fact. The attacks persisted. Insecurity reigned. The Jews lost the tomb of Joseph!!! Not only did we lose a site oozing with kedusha (holiness), but the Palestinians immediately proceeded to wreck and desecrate the grave site.
During Parshat Haazinu we learn to listen to our past and learn from previous errors. On the Shabbat of Parshat Haazinu we created new history when we sacrificed for a noble but unlikely cause. Now the opportunity is here again. Netanyahu has let us down before, and paid the price for it. May he be blessed to carefully delve into our past and understand that not all endeavours are worth taking, not all advice worth listening to, and not everything others wants for Israel is right for Israel.
