The second bracha in Shemoneh Esreh is "techias hamaisim... resurrection of the dead," which reveals the underlying truth that there is nothing which can defeat Am Yisroel. We are beyond even death. This is how we face our enemies and all our troubles. If we attach ourselves to Hashem and His Torah, we will live eternally in His Presence and overcome every challenge.
That is the theme of this week's Parsha. The ashes of the Para Aduma free us from the grip of death. Thus King David can say, "I have no fear. How can man affect me?" (Tehillim 118)
This week's Parsha is astounding in its list of tragedies, including the death of Miriam, the death of Aharon, the grievous error of Moshe and Aharon at the well, the attack of Amalek and the battles with Sihon and Og. But the beginning of the Parsha tells the overriding story: if we stick close to Hashem, we will survive everything and live to see the day when darkness is vanquished forever.
With this in mind, I would like to address recent events in America, the place which Rabbi Chaim Volozhin zt"l reportedly described as "the final stop of the Jewish people before the arrival of Moshiach."
In February, 2019, Rabbi Yechiel Perr zt"l spoke words which continue to reverberate in my ears: "the ejection from America has begun."
Rabbi Perr always saw beyond the present. As we contemplate the results of the recent mayoral elections in New York City, these words take on added meaning. I will say that I was not surprised by this election. America is the bastion of the legacy of Edom, and the world of Edom is crumbling. The Malbim (whom I quote in my book, "2020 Vision") writes that in the War of Gog and Magog the cultures of Yishmoel and Edom will clash and destroy each other, and this is what we see happening today.
Please listen to the timeless words of Ovadiah ha Novi: "Is there any doubt that on that day - the word of Hashem - I will cause the wise men of Edom to be lost .... Your mighty ones will be smashed ... so that every man from Edom will be cut down. For your violence to your brother Yaakov, shame will cover you .... For the day of Hashem upon all the nations is near .... But on Mount Tzion there shall be a remnant .... and the House of Yaakov will inherit its inheritors. The House of Yaakov will be a fire and the House of Yosef a flame and the House of Esau (Edom) like straw.... They will kindle and consume them." (Haftaras Vayishlach)
Following this election, there was a headline: "Real estate broker reports surge in clients looking to relocate (from New York) to Florida." No place in the world offers guaranteed protection, but is the future in Florida?
Here is the word of Hashem: "The Land to which you cross over is a land of hills and valleys. It will drink ... from the rain of heaven, a Land that Hashem your G-d seeks out. The eyes of Hashem your G-d are always upon it from the beginning of the year to the year's end." (Dvarim 11:11-12) How can anyone think of Florida at this time in history?
And another headline: the Minority Leader of the United States Senate congratulated the apparent winner of the New York City primary and "signaled future cooperation."
My dear friends, I remember when Charles Schumer was a young New York State Assemblyman representing Canarsie, Brooklyn. Every year he would come to the graduation of Yeshiva Ateres Yisroel, where I was the administrator, wearing a yarmulka, and exhort the graduates to be good Jews.
Mr. Schumer: listen to your own words!
Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch shlit"a was quoted last week as saying, "People from overseas should not worry; they do not need to return home. During a siren one should remain calm and not be afraid; every bullet has its address. On the other hand, one must pray that no Jew will be harmed. One should say three times, 'Ain od milvado.... There is none other than He,' (Dvarim 4:35), then contemplate these words and internalize their meaning. One should not waste time following the news."
Expressions of jubilation are premature. Images with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu riding victoriously on lions are out of place. It is highly likely that Iran will seek vengeance after its humiliation, and Iran has friends in the world.
But we are in Ikvos ha Moshicha and Hashem will protect those who are close to Him. "Ain od milvado" means that there is literally no other force in the universe. When we say Shema, we cover our eyes. The world has no power over us as long as we rely on Hashem with all our strength.
It seems clear that Hashem's Redemption is close, when the world will be filled with the Light of Torah! May we see it soon in our days!
Parah aduma, the Red Cow
Rabbi Yechiel Perr zt"l
The Land of Israel (Jezreel Valley)
The lion
GLOSSARY
Edom: Western culture, the legacy of Esau, the brother of Jacob
Ikvos ha moshicha: the birthpangs of Moshiach
Parah aduma: the red cow whose ashes purify from the impurity of contact with the dead
Tehillim: Book of Psalms
Yishmoel: the Moslem culture