Category: Weekly Letters

Question: Dear Rav Shvat, In the shiur that you gave on Sunday, I believe you mentioned that prior to the Geula, the whole world will be against us. For many long years, we have felt that the world is indeed against us. Finally, now, after the horrible atrocities of the Hamas, it seems that most of the world has woken up and begun to understand whom and what we are fighting against. This feels like a massage for the aching collective Jewish soul. Having said that, what does this mean regarding the prophecies of the geula?

Answer: Shalom! That’s not exactly what we said. In the wars which are part of the ge’ula process, the navi writes that some nations will gather together against us, but not necessarily all of the nations (Yechezkel 38-39, compare Zecharya 14 which apparently is referring to a different war). In general, the geula is not just for Am Yisrael but for all mankind, “for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples (Yeshayau 56, 7).” “And many peoples shall go, and they shall say, “Come, let us go up to the Lord’s mount, to the house of the G-d of Jacob, and let Him teach us of His ways, and we will go in His paths,” for out of Zion shall the Torah come forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”(ibid 2, 3) Accordingly, just as Cyrus, the Persian king, helped us return to build the 2nd Beit haMikdash, the Radak (Tehilim 146, 3) and Ramban (Shir HaShirim) and others point out that in the final ge’ula it will be that way, as well. In fact, the international support for the Balfour Declaration (1917/5677) and the U.N. Partition Plan (1947/5707) were seen by many great Rabbanim of the time (including the Or Same’ch-Meshech Chochma, Avnei Nezer, Rav Kook and others) as this type of international support and participation.

Also after the Shoah, the Church has repeatedly tried to reconcile with the Jews, which Prof. Shalom Rosenberg explains, because in WWII, the allies and the axis divided the world into 2, and the Jews obviously were victims, so the Popes want to side with the “good” and not the “bad”.

From our point of view, we hope this continues, and were very glad and thank the Presidents and PMs from the U.S., Germany, France and England for taking a stand with us, even though this angered some of their anti-Israel voters and press. Nevertheless, Rav Kook’s student, Rav YM Charlap writes (Mimaynei HaYeshua, p. 29) that as long as we aren’t at the aforementioned final stage of world unity, we shouldn’t be surprised if eventually they once again turn their backs on us- for big changes aren’t made overnight. Even then the process will undoubtedly continue, for our geula really comes from Hashem who arranges it all, “Fortunate are you, O Israel! Who is like you, O people whose salvation is through the Lord, the Shield Who helps you, your majestic Sword! Your enemies will deny you, but you will tread upon their heights (Dvarim 33, 29)”.

In addition, we also must be wary for such international support is often conditioned upon our compromising on important issues, which can be very problematic. We don’t rely on miracles and do want their aid- especially if they can help free hostages, but we cannot compromise on our independence to do what we deem necessary, especially regarding our security. This principle was instituted by David Ben-Gurion right after the Holocaust, where we clearly saw that if we don’t take care of ourselves, who will take care of us (see Avot 1, 14)? As Yoni Netanyahu HYD said on the way to Entebbe: “We’re going on a long and dangerous mission to save Jews, because they are Jews. And if we don’t save them, nobody will”. America has their own interests, and so do we. The two usually overlap, but not always. We cannot act like a “banana republic”, for otherwise we will be treated accordingly. We must pray that our leaders choose wisely, especially in this complicated case, to bezH also free the hostages, and also free Gaza from the Hamas, and firmly deter our other enemies from starting up with us, as well! It’s complex, but it’s good Hashem is on our side and only He can really do it all! With Love of Israel, Shabbat Shalom! Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)

Another important aspect of our current war with Hamas which is definitely worth publicizing, is the Talmud (Sanhedrin 106a) written about 1,600 years ago and is precisely relating to today’s situation:

” ‘וישא [=בלעם] משלו ויאמר אוי מי יחיה משֹוּמו א-ל’ (במדבר כד, כג) א”ר יוחנן אוי לה לאומה שתִמצא בשעה שהקב”ה עושה פדיון לבניו! מי מטיל כסותו בין לביא ללביאה בשעה שנזקקין זה עם זה!”.

” ‘He [Bil’am] took up his parable [=prophesizing about the end of days] and said: Alas! Who can survive when He does this?’ Woe to the nation who will be found hindering the Jewish people at the time when the Holy One, Blessed be He, redeems His children. Who dares place his garment to separate between a male lion and a female lioness when they wish to mate? [Woe to him, for who does so will certainly not “survive”].”

This clear and vivid quote speaks for itself. Nevertheless, when I showed this to my neighbor and colleague R. Yair Ben-Shitrit, he was floored, but then noticed that the Talmud is relating to both of our relationships with G-d during the ge’ula process: He is our Father and also our Lover. When IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was taken hostage by the Hamas several years ago, his father Noam Shalit shook the heavens and earth, successfully pressuring the government of Israel to free 1,000 convicted terrorists (!) in exchange for his son’s freedom. We similarly heard unbelievable heroism 2 weeks ago on Simchat Torah, especially of parents who did the incredible in order to free and save their children. How much more so will G-d do to those fools who try preventing Him from redeeming His children, the hostages themselves, as well as all of His sons of Israel, in our period of ge’ula.

Bil’am is prophesizing about our current period of redemption: Woe to the fool who interferes when the Lion [=Hashem] wants to mate with His beloved lioness [Israel] after 2,000 years of separation! Do they really think that a garment can divide and prevent such graphic love, 2,000 years of longing, desire and passion! Especially when they not only partition between Him and us, but actively murdered, maimed, mutilated, kidnapped and raped His sons and daughters. He will undoubtedly avenge and redeem us.

Someone should warn Hamas and the Gazans to get out of the way, for they are going to get walloped by the Almighty Lion and Father Himself!

With Love of Israel, Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)

1. Because we have no choice! We love peace more than any nation, but as Golda Meir once told the young Senator Joe Biden, our secret weapon is that we have nowhere else to go!

2. Because we are right. In this war of good against evil, there is no doubt who is correct and justified, and which side is satanic and barbaric.

3. The World now also understands- All of the leaders of the free world who sometimes were confused, suddenly have a clarity and are siding with Israel, even visiting us out of solidarity. We have now also unmasked the anti-Semites and proved that nothing in the world will ever convince them to side with us, but all objective people are also seeing them for what they really are. Even if the world leaders may eventually think that our reaction is “disproportionate” (however that’s possible!), they agree that we are correct in fighting evil and justified in defending ourselves. They are beginning to understand that our enemies in the Middle East must be deterred “in their own language”.

4. Because we are stronger. Baruch Hashem, G-d has blessed us with a very strong and smart army, and even if we made terrible mistakes in underrating these terrorists, our resolve will return the true proportions that the IDF will undoubtedly trounce the less-armed, less advanced, poorer and smaller fanatic extremists.

5. Because we are united. The recent threat of civil war, and leftist pilots and soldiers threatening to stop serving in the IDF if the Prime Minister isn’t switched, has proven to be false. BH, in this time of need, all Israelis (and Jews throughout the world) are united and volunteering everywhere to help each other, even sacrificing their lives for Am Yisrael and their fellow Jews. You can tell who a person/nation really is underneath it all, when really under pressure (see Eruvin 65b). Left and right, religious and secular, Ashkenazi and Sefaradi, Olim and Veteran Israelis, we stand united fighting for Israel, just as in all of Israel’s previous wars.

6. Because we are the “next chapter” in Tanach. We continue the glorious chain of Moshe, Joshua, Samson, Gidon, Kings Saul and David, and the Maccabees, as we have returned to Israel for the 3rd and final time. We are proud of our eternal history, who brought the world the Bible, Ten Commandments, monotheism, morality, prophecy, many intellectuals, artists, inventions, Nobel Prizes and much more, yet we always knew how to defend ourselves when necessary. We have a moral obligation and responsibility to continue our role to build a model nation, a light for others, fulfilling the promise of eternity as promised to our fore-fathers.

7. Because Hashem is with us, and He promised: “כי לא יטוש ה’ עמו ונחלתו לא יעזוב”, “For the Lord will not forsake His people, nor will He desert His inheritance (the Land of Israel) (Tehilim 94, 14). We have witnessed over the last century that Hashem has gathered the exiles (7 million Jews from 104 different countries), built us a formidable State, army and economy, revived the deserted Holy Land, revived the Holy Language, and has granted us time after time, miraculous military victories. The prophets and rabbinic sources are unanimous, that once the redemption has begun, it may face challenges, but it will never stop!

Let us all declare together: The People of Israel are Strong, the Nation of Israel is United, the G-d of Israel is with us, and Israel will be victorious!

With Love of Israel, Rav Ari Shvat

(in conjunction with my colleague: R. Yoni Lavie)

Q. I just saw something that really drives me crazy and I’d like to hear the halachic side. People take and list names of individual soldiers to be prayed for. Aside from the fact that you just shouldn’t post that information-it seems wrong to me to individualize them in our prayers/Tefilote. Thanks in advance! Answer: Hi, how many of your boys were called up, and how are they? May Hashem return them liShalom together with all of the chayalim and hostages of Israel! In general, the main point is: the more we daven- the better! Of course you are correct we should be davening and saying Tehilim for all Am Yisrael and all of the soldiers, and that’s why all of our tefilot in the siddur are worded in the plural. But also for our own individual children, and all of the individual hostages and wounded that we know, and even for all of the Jews in Chu”l who are suffering anti-Semitic attacks. Often, when focusing on specific names and faces, it helps us have better Kavana, which is the most important thing, but even then, you are correct that we must (!) always add: בתוך שאר חיילי צה”ל, just as when davening for a sick person, what we do is to mention the individual sick person and his mother’s name, and then it’s obligatory (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 335) to add: “together with all of the [other] sick/wounded of Israel”. Similarly, when chalila, comforting a mourner we add: “בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים”! Our sorrows and challenges are all nationally related, and we always worry, think and daven for all of Israel- how much more so when Am Yisrael goes to war, that it’s a obviously a national issue! This also gives certain comfort to the one praying, that we’re all in this together, and also “packages” all of the zechuyot of all of the tzadikim (e.g. the many volunteers wherever we turn, and especially the many who altruistically and G-dly gave and endangered their lives to save others) together with those who may not necessarily merit deliverance on their own. הנה א-ל ישועתי אבטח ולא אפחד. כי עזי וזמרת י-ה ה’ ויהי לי לישועה… לה’ הישועה.. ה’ צבאות עמנו משגב לנו א-להי יעקב סלה. ה’ צבאות אשרי אדם בוטח בך, ה’ הושיע, המלך יעננו ביום קראנו. א-ל נקמות ה’, א- נקמות הופיע, ה’ שמע, ה’ סלחה, ה’ הקשיבה ועשה אל תאחר, למענך אלוהי, כי שמך נקרא על עירך ועל עמך”!! “Behold, G-d is my unfailing help; I will trust in G-d and will not be afraid. G-d is strength and song, my Deliverer. With joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation. G-d alone is our help; may G-d bless His people. G-d of the universe is with us; the G-d of Jacob is our protection. There was light and joy; gladness and honor for the Jewish people (in the time of Purim). So may we be blessed. I will lift the cup of salvation and call upon G-d’s Name.” “O Hashem, hear; O Hashem, forgive; O Hashem, hearken and do, do not delay; for Your sake, my G-d, for Your Name is called upon Your city and upon Your people.” May we speedily see the great victory and advancement in the ge’ula process that Hashem promised us that will grow out of this tzara, soon and with as few casualties. With Love of Israel, Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)

Q. We’re having a serious problem now on our university campus in debating large pro-Palestinian groups regarding the war in Gaza. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: It’s best to simplify the issue with 2 clear and undebatable (unless their anti-Semites) points: 1. The Israel Defense (!) Force is by definition: defending when attacked, as opposed to the Hamas whose charter, by definition, unabashedly calls for the offensive eradication of the Jewish State. It’s like R. Yosef Albo (Sefer HaIkarim 4, 35) writes: that by man, the example of gevurah (strength) is like a champion boxer whose goal is to knock down his standing opponent, sending him to the hospital, as opposed to Hashem who is described as the exact opposite “”אתה גיבור לעולם ה’ מחיה מתים אתה ורב להושיע, מחיה מתים… סומך נופלים, רופא חולים ומתיר אסורים””, “You are strong: reviving the dead, raising those who fall, healing the sick, saving the hostages”. Jewish heroism as seen through the Tanach is a life-giving (!) gevura, as opposed to our enemies who idealize a life-taking gevura. During Operation Chomat Magen, while stationed in Arab Ramallah, I saw that the streets, avenues, parks and traffic-circles are named to glorify terrorists, where the more Jews that each killed, the greater his respective avenue! Contrarily, in the IDF, we teach Moreshet Krav (IDF history classes) educating the next generation’s soldiers through examples like company commander Ro’i Klein who saved his platoon in Lebanon by jumping on a grenade, i.e. life-giving gevura. Baruch Hashem we are the opposite (!) of our enemies, but that doesn’t mean that we are less resolved or weaker! Second: Everyone knows that if the Hamas lays down their weapons their will be quiet, but if Israel lays down our weapons, we will be slaughtered, raped and mutilated. Anyone who doesn’t see the difference is unobjective and not worth wasting time on trying to convince. With Love of Israel, Shabbat Shalom (!!), Rav Ari

considering the national disunity, Woodstock-like event, etc.? Answer: Not everything which happens in our individual and national lives results from “reward and punishment”, which is just one, albeit important, of the many factors involved. Life also includes the interaction of all people’s free-will (“Hishtadlut”) and G-d’s “running the show” in the best possible way (Bitachon) for each respective person and for Am Yisrael in general (pretty complicated!). The Hamas also has free will and they chose to do evil, which often hurts many innocent people (for G-d no longer does super-natural miracles). G-d also runs Jewish history, which in our generations centrally includes His desire to redeem Am Yisrael, whether we deserve it or not (but rather out of love, His covenant with the fore-fathers, to stop the Chilul Hashem of His nation being slaughtered, and our merits of self-sacrifice of these generations). Accordingly, big historic “game-changers” like last week’s terrorism and Israel’s significant loss, inevitably and naturally opened many eyes to the folly of Israel giving away Gaza and Gush Katif, and the national understanding that a two-state solution with such religiously motivated barbaric neighbors, even with our Baruch Hashem, great technology and army, is not an option

That being said, we have to focus on our (!) side of this complex equation, and don’t worry, G-d will grant us that which is best for us (BTW, that often doesn’t mean the easiest!!), and in the end He and His nation will certainly win (see my lecture: https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/1077098). Our role is to destine our fate, and succeed through emulating the G-dly ideals as expressed and commanded in the Torah and mitzvot, centrally including selfless altruistic giving and unity. There is also an important differentiation between my free-will, which is in my control, and that of my neighbor, which is much less so (e.g. I can and must lovingly try to bring them closer to the G-dly ideals, but it’s his decision). Accordingly, each of us must utilize the painful current circumstance to ourselves become more giving and less self-centered, and the volunteering and amazing achdut (national unity) felt today especially in Israel and especially in the altruism of the Israeli soldiers, but really all over the Jewish world, is clearly an inevitable, beneficial and G-dly outcome of this war. Undoubtedly, if we continue this thoughtfulness and achdut afterwards, perhaps G-d will intervene and save us earlier for we wouldn’t need such catalysts. Such “cheshbon hanefesh” (soul searching) is appropriate and permitted to be done by each one for himself and not for others, especially since already a century ago, the greatest rabbis including the Chazon Ish and Rav Kook, wrote that the non-observant today are not really responsible for their non-religious actions, but are simply products of their society and education.

In short, the inevitable outcomes like national unity (even of Haredim and Jews abroad who often don’t participate outside of their communities), indignation and pride, political understanding, improvement of our (and the hostages) Tehilim and prayer kavana (concentration), and some of the hostages and survivors accepting religious observance, are all obviously connected, but we can’t fathom all of the complex factors through which G-d runs the world and especially regarding the ge’ula process (but thinking about reward and punishment may be just one possibility, and that’s between me and myself). We also must pray that our Father and Beloved should give us victory asap (for only He can save the hostages) with the fewest casualties, and that the spiritual and national eye-openings and improvements should be permanent and idealistic and not painful. “G-d will give His nation bravery, He will bless His nation with peace” (Tehilim 29, 11).

With Love of Israel, Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)