Dear B’nai Shalom members, families, and friends:
Undoubtedly, you are all just as astounded as we are with having witnessed the revealed miracles of Hashem as He led the brave Israeli Defense Force fighter planes and bombers and their skilled, patient, well-trained pilots and crews into a strategically-unexplainable victory of monumental proportion.
And just when you thought Hashem had concluded His demonstration of miracles that go against logic, explanation, and the laws of nature, He again emerged with equally- spectacular miracles, this time for the brave fighter planes and U.S. bombers and THEIR skilled, patient, well-trained pilots and crews leading the most recent raid on the Iranian nuclear armament facilities.
I personally have not tired of the “over-the-top” descriptions and attempts at explanation by Pentagon, Defense Department, military status, and widely-recognized, decorated officers – all doing their collective best to put into perspective the wonders of the national protection success over which they stumble, mumble, and murmur as they THEMSELVES find hard to believe the startling phenomena they have just witnessed.
I certainly have the answer, the explanation for ALL of this, which many skeptics, and certainly atheists, would NEVER accept. It is the undeniable hand of Hashem, who comes along every once in a while according to His OWN schedule, His own timing, and His own plan, and shows the might and the power that cannot otherwise be explained.
We have ALL just witnessed miracles of a sort that the “experts” would otherwise have told you “could never happen.” Or at least, not with the levels of success that can ONLY be explained through the direction and protection of a “higher power” that we call: “G-d.”
Yet, in spite of what I BELIVE is a clear demonstration of Hashem’s will, might, and intentions in this matter, there are those who doubt and question.
Two acquaintances who frequently pose questions to me and offer their OWN explanations and solutions, have shared with me the following, which I share with all of YOU:
Individual #1 says:
My opinion is that I don’t think Israel’s success is a miracle or the work of a god above. I believe it is the result of hard work, determination, and the resilience of its people.
Individual #2 says:
The Jewish people have embodied certain, enduring values: education, perseverance, community, and a deep-rooted will to survive and protect our heritage. That alone can explain much of what we see today.
And perhaps the idea that G-d is guiding and protecting Israel – whether or not one believes it literally – is itself a source of strength. Believing in that purpose can give people the clarity, courage, and conviction to endure and rebuild, no matter the odds. That’s, in and of itself, is pretty remarkable.
you: A gentleman seeking a particular job position had arranged for an in-person interview downtown in the most crowded area of his metropolitan city, right in the building where he hoped, soon, to find employment. He started out extra early that morning, knowing that it was always crowded downtown and parking was always difficult to find. He ended up circling around the building many, many times, finding neither a viable parking space nor anyone appearing to be leaving their parking spaces any time soon. He had previously worried about this because he had started out so early but, with his complete lack of success and the clock ticking closer and closer to his scheduled interview time, he now began to sweat and worry. With his 12th go-around and no realistic hope of finding a parking space, he quietly whispered a prayer of great need and request to G-d, asking G-d to help him find a space so he would not come late to the interview that he needed so badly. Just as he was about to turn the corner and begin his THIRTEENTH revolution around the downtown streets, a parking space opened up right in front of the building’s entrance. As he paired his surprise and delight in finding the space, he quickly and decidedly returned to his previous humble, needy conversation with the Lord and told G-d: “Never mind what I was saying before. A space just opened up. Sorry to bother you.”
So my friends, I share with you the very same response I believe I received from the two highly-intelligent but doubting thinkers and philosophers.
They truly believe their positions. I am not certain what more or what else could or would convince those who are otherwise convinced that G-d has no role in our lives or in our world to see what should be apparent to anyone who is open to other thoughts and theories.
I truly respect both petitioners and welcome their frequent thoughts and observations. I do NOT share their perspective and their steadfast opinions about what G-d has just done for us or what occurred sans the hand of G-d.
But I do point out to them — often, the very existence of the Jewish people defies any kind of logic or explanation that leaves G-d out of the picture.
I welcome further thoughts, opinions, and observations from other and all shul members and friends.
With hope and belief in CONTINUED miracles and kindness from Hashem,
Rabbi Dr. Yaacov Dvorin