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Fighting Terrorism With Mitzvot? Get Real!


By Yisroel Cotlar

Question:

Rabbi, you're telling us that what we need is to light symbolic candles and do a mitzvah. We're talking about a very real threat to our people! We're talking survival of the fittest! Get real!

Response:

We Jews sure do mess up the "The survival of the fittest" theory. I mean, what are we doing here? The Egyptians, Persians, Babylonians, and Romans.... each of these ancient civilizations were once a super-power of the world. And each tried to destroy us. None of them are still around today. We are.

Mark Twain wondered about this. "What is the secret to their immortality?" he asked. But he couldn't answer. That's because he was looking for a logical answer. There isn't one.

Our survival is 100% supernatural. We have divine protection. A Biblical promise that we'll always exist. An everlasting covenant. And it is our Torah study and Mitzvah observance that strengthens this never-ceasing protection.

Only thing is, G‑d placed our supernatural people in a very natural world. He instructed us to do all the regular things regular people do to protect themselves. And so, security and other forms of self-defense are needed too. But in truth they are just the natural vehicle we put in place through which G‑d can provide His supernatural blessing.

Yes, there are two fronts in a war against evil: One takes place on a physical battlefield where Jews must take necessary precautions as well as urge our governments to recognize the absolute evil that exists and fight against terrorism.

But the most serious front is the supernatural one. This isn't symbolism. It's survival. Every additional Mitzvah makes the world a little bit brighter and our nation more secure.

Now allow me to quote Dennis Prager, who asked the simple question, of one billion Indians, why did the terrorists choose to target a tiny Jewish institution servicing India's smallest community? His answer:

"Statements from Chabad in reaction to the torture-murders of a 29-year-old Chabad rabbi and his wife called on humanity to react to this evil with random acts of kindness. Evil hates goodness. That's why the terrorists targeted a Chabad Rabbi and his wife."

BTW: We need your help. Pledge your Mitzvah today: MumbaiMitzvah.org
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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: June 5, 2009
kindness i observed
Sometimes we think we have to do some big thing when it comes to charity but the other day I watched a girl who was working in a coffee shop as she served a little old lady. She was smiling and happy and very helpful. She even got out from behind the counter and brought the elderly woman's muffin and coffee to the table. It sounds so simple but in this day and age kindness,respect for our elders, and charity aren't seen that often. No matter what religion we adhere to there will always be a higher law which we are all obligated to try and live up to.
Posted By Jason T Pyne, Ottawa, Canada

Posted: Jan 11, 2009
Thank you so much for writing this - it not only helped me realize how important it is to replace acts of evil with acts of kindness, but also showed just how important it is for us to remember our 'supernatural protection!' Thanks again!
Posted By Yosepha, Chicago, IL

Posted: Dec 28, 2008
To Phillip
The point is, that we can change the future by our own actions toward and relationship with G-d. Yisroel was not speaking about "super-natural" powers, at least not the way you present them.

The use of dreams for divination, and other such practices, by the way, Phillip, is not an acceptable thing in Judaism. (We have a mystical part of Judaism, but contrary to popular American myth, Mysticism in Judaism is not this at all...)

Please do not spread fear by claiming that you have some supernatural power to see the future for NY Chabad houses...this is improper.
Posted By Saul

Posted: Dec 13, 2008
The existance of Chabad in the world
the world would be empty without Chabad. They help us Jews to get in touch with our Jewish origin, to get to know the power of Torah and Mitzvoth. This power enlightens us, our souls, and we spread our kmowledge and "Judaism" to other Jews. This is what keeps us alive..keeps us united! We honor G-d and live the Torah....we will ALWAYS survive because we know who we are. Thank you Chabad!
Posted By ZELDA

Posted: Dec 11, 2008
God helps those who help themselves
Chabad has to improve its security. I understand the need to be open and welcoming to visiting Jews but we are all aware of the dangers and appreciate security. If there is a terrorist attack they need to be slowed down enough so people can get out. There has to be more than one way to get out of the building. There have to be hiding places. There have to be metal doors. There have to be window bars. There have to be guns in Chabad. This is the tragic truth.
Posted By Gamaliel Isaac, New York, NY

Posted: Dec 10, 2008
Warning for Chabad Houses
I believe the Rabbi is correct, there is a supernatural element to these attacks. I have had a dream in which a group of angels warn that Chabad houses will be in danger and must be watched, especially in New York City , USA.
This attack and killing of innocent calls to my mind how important Chabad houses are to spreading knowledge of Jewish culture and of Laws of the Holy One. Please carry on your important work. Be safe.
Posted By Phillip, Bloomingdale, IL

Posted: Dec 10, 2008
Survival of fittest!
Chabad Lubavitch is the survival of fittest!
Posted By Ruth, Tokyo, Japan

Posted: Dec 10, 2008
Fighting Terrorism
How quickly we forget; Imagine Joshua telling us to walk around a country seven times for six days and on the seventh day walk around it seven times and we would witness its destruction, or to come against an army of people who had weapons; with a group of musicians singing; "Praise YAH for HE is GOOD and HIS Kindness endures for ever" We today would say " What!! get real!!" Yet it defeated nations!!!
Posted By Rosina, Panama

Posted: Dec 10, 2008
Jews have more responsibility
As Jews we have more responsibility to make the world a better place, simply because we are closer to the Source. What that means is that we need desperately to spread the 7 Noahide Laws to mankind. My very strong feeling is that is must begin with the women uniting to say ENOUGH! We Jewish women must unite with the women of Mumbai and begin a massive educational program FIRST TRHOUGH THE WOMEN. Only this way can we begin to bring sanity back to this world.
It is written that the first redemption came through the women and so too, the final redemption. The time is now. One of the basic tenets of the Noahide Laws it NOT TO KILL. No civilized world can exist if we do not follow these 7 basic universal laws and as Jews it is our responsibilty to teach them actively and immediately. Women unite, the redemption of the world depends on us. May be overwhelming, but none the less true.
Posted By Chaya Gross, Jerusalem, The Holy Land

Posted: Dec 9, 2008
the secret of Jewish survival
What a beautiful answer, illuminating in a totally convincing way.

I love the Jewish people, and CHABAD is where I learned the value of this mitzvah and all the others. Thank G-d for CHABAD.
Posted By shlomo dror, Jerusalem



 


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