In time of crisis, finding G-d and letting him in

Hidden miracles were evident.”

We are, as Carolyn Glick has put it, “at a pivotal moment in history.” For we Jews, this is “not our first rodeo.”

The first Jew, Abraham faced a world that refused to accept his belief in the One Living G-d. By his loving kindness of others, force of personality and willingness to die for his belief, he brought many others to his way of thinking.

Joseph, son of Jacob, was next, rising inexplicably from prisoner to Grand Vizier, saved Egypt.

Moses, years later, led Jacob’s descendants from bondage in Egypt, with G-d intervening openly. Ultimately, this culminated in an encounter at Mount Sinai, where the giving of the Torah established the model for all humanity: that life should be governed by faith in G-d, compassion and loving kindness, concepts of law and order, and reward and punishment.

Despite giving this gift to humanity, the Jewish people continued to face catastrophic events and peoples bent on their destruction.

After facing ancient Amalekites (5th century BCE), Haman (2nd century BCE), Seleucid-Greeks, Crusaders, Spanish Inquisitors, Chmelnytsky Cossacks, 20th century Nazis and more, we are faced with Iranian mullahs (true descendants of Haman). Once again, we have had to intervene to save ourselves, and the world, this time from nuclear holocaust.

We had to do so by violent military action, but also by guile and deception. And Hashem saw fit to intervene, suspending the natural order with open miracles.

J

ust as the early days of the current war in Gaza and Lebanon witnessed numerous miracles (no deaths or significant casualties from countless rockets and drone attacks, the incredible “beeper” attacks and the fall of Hezbollah, the finding and killing of Sinwar, the unexpected fall of Syria), the Iran operation was also accompanied by open and hidden miracles, such as the incredible ability of Israel to eliminate Iran‘s air defenses months ago without casualties.

All of this confirms the words of Zecharia we read only weeks ago the haftrah of B’Haalotcha:

Lo b’chayil v’lo b’koach ki im b’ruchi amar (Not by armies and not by might, but by My spirit, says Hashem.)

Hidden miracles of many years in the making, that only the Almighty G-d could have forseen the consequences of, were evident. Did you wonder why Russia, close ally of Iran, did not enter the war on Iran‘s behalf? Putin himself answered, “There are 2 million Russians living in Israel. It’s like a Russian speaking country.” Did not G-d Himself arrange that the Jews of Russia be freed from Soviet tyranny and go to Israel over 40 years earlier!

Remarkably, one has seen an incredible transition in the words of the president of United States and prime minister of Israel, both speaking openly about their faith and belief in G-d.

N

etanyahu has seemingly undergone a remarkable transformation, using the phrase, “b’ezerat Hashem (with the help of G-d)” in his speeches. Most notably, he referenced a verse in Shelach to conclude his congratulatory address to President Trump on the B2 bombing attack, quoting Caleb, one of the two spies, along with Joshua, who rejected the 10 other spies’ negative report of the Holy Land and tried to convince Am Yisrael that they could successfully enter and settle Eretz Canaan.

We are at both a pivotal moment and a miraculous time.

I recall the famous tale told of the Kotzker Rebbe. He was asked by one of his Hasidim “where does G-d dwell?”— to which he replied, “wherever you let Him in.”

Hashem, our Father, our King, you’re in!

Shabbat shalom.

Dr. Alan A. Mazurek is a retired neurologist, living in Great Neck, Jerusalem and Florida. He is a former chairman of the ZOA.

Write: Columnist@TheJewishStar.com