This week a new Torah Scroll joined our

synagogue in Israel - a donation to the local youth group.

 

The procession from a donor house to

the synagogue was accompanied by hundreds - half of them the

teens from the youth group - and most everyone dancing to

the Torah Songs.

 

I was proud to dance with them - the

future guardians and defenders of Israel. 

 

Soon they will be in the army. 

 

When I am sometimes asked to pray with them or

teach a bit I try to be a part of this spirited group and

maybe add just a little to their spiritual strength.

 

The portion this week teaches that when Israel has to go to war

 

 they first hear words and warnings from the Warrier Priest.

 

"Your camp must be holy" the Torah says.

 

"He who is weak in spirit need not

fight for Israel" says the Warrier Priest ,

 who in the Talmud is linked to the High Priesthood.

 

I often think what a difficult job it was.

 

To accompany Joshua in battle to conquer Canaan from the wicked Canaanites

 "who burn their children" (  in pagan worship ).

 

To accompany David in battle against the Philistine invaders from Crete.

 

And in Second Temple times? ALL THE MACCABBEES WERE KOHANIM - PRIESTS!

 

And today ... to make a holy army to protect civilians

 from rockets and baloon bombs fuelled by oil given to power gaza hospitals!

 

It is NOT EASY!

 

Praise the Almighty we have an army trained in morality, doing its best!

 

The Torah is not a reason to battle - IT IS THE ANTIDOTE TO WAR AND SUFFERING

 

May the world see it as a guiding light!

 

Love and Shabbos

 

Rabbi Andy Eichenholz