Knowing Your Role

I just returned from a trip to Israel where I witnessed the atrocities perpetrated against the Jewish people on October 7th. I found myself wondering why the IDF is so careful not to harm civilians in Gaza, when we cannot say the same about Hamas. Clearly, Israel has a different view on the value of life, but that goes deeper than what meets the eye.

To understand this distinction better, let us look at this week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah. The Torah tells us that when Sarah, Abraham’s wife, died, Abraham wanted to buy a burial spot for his wife from the children of Cheth. As the negotiation ensues, Abraham tells them: "Listen, if you don’t want to sell it to me, I can take it by force, since this land is mine." If Abraham could use this argument, then why did he insist on paying for the land? Why didn’t he simply take it by force?

Abraham understood that each person has a mission to accomplish in this world, including those who are making life difficult for him. Therefore, he says, "If you sell it to me, great, as you have done what you are meant to do. However, if you do not fulfill your role, you demonstrate that G-d cannot trust you, and the reason you were put on this earth has been violated. In that case, I can take it by force. However, he cannot take it until they have demonstrated that.

Abraham is teaching us a profound lesson: Things that happen to us are not random. It is G-d who creates the environment for us to flourish. However, if anyone or anything stands in the way, it is imperative that we find a new path.

It is our responsibility to recognize if those around us are here to help us or distract us.

For many years, the Jews in Israel understood that their neighbors could be of help to them. However, once their neighbors’ true colors were shown, Israel had to defend itself. Yet, even then, they are careful not to punish those who have not abandoned their mission in this world.

May Israel experience peace and prosperity.

Shabbat Shalom.

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