Legendary comic Jackie Mason once did a bit where he contrasted Jews and another ethnic group regarding fighting abilities. He pointed out that Jews don’t like to fight. But put a uniform on them and organize an army, they are the best in the world. The other group will fight anywhere, anytime; but put them in an army and they are incompetent.
In this week’s Parsha we read the “blessings – prophecy” of Bilaam. He declares, “Behold a nation rises like a lion.” As we all know, the military operation against Iran was titled Rising Lion to reflect this verse. In fact, Prime Minister Netanyahu placed a prayer petition into the Kotel that included a quote from that verse shortly before the operation began.
Obviously, the image of a rising lion conveys the sense of what Israel is trying to project with this military operation. Indeed, there have been amazing miracles which demonstrate the Hand of Hashem in these victories over the enemies of the Jewish people.
At the same time, it is critical for us to remember that there is another front in this war, a spiritual front. This front is as important as the physical front. The power of the Jewish people to rise as a lion against our enemies comes only from Hashem. We must never make the mistake and proclaim, “It is my power and the strength of my hand that achieved this great success.” We must do our part to utilize every advantage that we have within the natural order. We must gather the best intelligence. We must develop the smartest strategy. We must implement the finest military tactics. In the end we must “remember the L-rd your G-d, for it is He that gives you strength to achieve success.”
To appreciate this, we peek into Rashi’s commentary to the words, “Behold a nation rises like a lion.” He explains that the Jewish people rise like a lion to fulfill the Mitzvot such as wearing a Tallit and Tefillin and reciting the Shema. That is our true power. When we are resolute to live a Jewish life, committed to the Mitzvot of Hashem, that power is projected onto our military success.
The underlying Operation Rising Lion has been the surge in Jewish commitment since October 7, the increase in Mitzvah observance, the heightening of Jewish identity, and the recognition that our power comes from Hashem. Because this operation has been successful, success has been realized on the military front.
So, my nation of lions, rise up and seize the opportunity to be part of these historic developments for the Jewish people. Grab hold of those Mitzvot and share the chance to do a Mitzvah with your friends. Together we will experience the sweetness of victory, the victory of light over darkness with the complete and final redemption through the coming of Mashiach.
Chabad of Louisiana mourns the passing of Richard Friedman. Richard was a sweet man, with a million-watt smile that infused you with positivity. Together with his wife, Linda, may she be well, they dedicated the Brian R. Friedman Memorial Menorah that was used for the Chanukah celebration with the New Orleans Pelicans. May his memory be for a blessing to his family and all those that were touched by his kindness and friendship.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin