WHY/

The oft asked question "why do we suffer ?" is asked with different spins and details . However , the answers are always unsettling and depressing even if we feel they are true.
So, why is there all of this suffering? Why are there so many curses?
I really don't know. However, just as exercise leaves us in better shape , so too, the ability to overcome adversity is a strengthening agent. Our collective sufferings and toils have made us sensitive to the pains of others. We have a Destiny formed by G-D's Will. In whatever form it ultimately expresses itself,one thing is clear:
We have become better people through the veil of tears . We have not become predators upon others, convincing ourselves that we have the moral right to do so, for we have been violated. Instead ,we have learned to give to the world. Not just with our money. With our hearts, our minds and our talents.
Why the Curses? I don't know. However, we have become more human through them.

More Curses???!!!

We have been warned that if we will not heed the Commandments then the curses that follow will be swift and devastating. In fact 98 Curses are stated. Even more are implied.
In that case why are we so excited about Torah Study if the result of our efforts are that if we sin even a little, then we can and will be punished into submission.
This sounds more like Attila than Moses. Yet it is Moses saying these ominous words.Why do we need such fright?
The problem really is that we wish not to face up to realities. Until Moshiach will come there w3ill be pain a well as suffering.We cannot avoid that scenario. However,we can avoid the curses through Service to G-D with Joy!
In other words, Moses is trying to get us an edge. Life will be tough . However, if you face G-D with Joy and receive everything with Joy then your fate will be altered. For it is not the punishment that counts but the lesson it delivers!

Counting your Blessings

THE Sidra of the week is a frightening one. It is filled with ominous images that were fulfilled throughout our history in the most stark and deadly fashion . It is a warning that draws little attention
today because we would rather believe that our destiny is in our own hands as opposed to some ancient Law.
The Torah says otherwise- that our protection while requiring vigilance and prowess in both men and materials, still is dependent upon our relationship with each other and with G-D.
According to The Great Tannah Rabbi Shimon Ben Nesanel, the worst trait is to be unapprecitive .
When we borrow money from someone we should appreciate the other person's sacrifice and pay back the loan without any resentment. G-D loans us our souls in return for fulfilling the Mitzvos . Shouldn't we be glad to return the debt fully paid with a smile?
This is the root of all of our shortcomings. when one is appreciative one is happy with whatever is dealt,whatever the level of success . In such an environment, where there is light and happiness,
the Torah teaches us that we will not have enemies. They will be frightened of us. If instead we argue with our neighbors incessantly and our relationship with G-D becomes one of what have you done for me lately this shield of Love and Divine Harmony is shattered. Even where there is military prowess , where the spirit is lacking,where hope and enthusiasm are erode by ego and arrogance,
the other side will win.
The winners of the last wars were not those who had more guns but who had more determination.
Of course the atomic bomb helped. However, ultimately the superior enthusiasm of a people that wants its' freedom overcame a system of tyranny. Values bring out valiance. the longer the battle, the more spirit and harmony are a factor.
The loss of appreciation brought with it an erosion of values and relationships that brought us our present Golus .
The antidote to Golus isn't just more M16's. It's being thankful to the Creator for every breath!

IT'S WAR!

War is held in contempt by the intelligentsia , who feel that conflict should be resolved by the force of ideas. While theoretically true, nonetheless we find that oftentimes conflict cannot be resolved by negotiation or rhetoric. This is because the human being is primarily emotional , not rational.

Furthermore , self interest tends to cloud the clear intellect so that ideas as a basis for resolution is an impossibility in the world as we have it.

The American Liberal has invested too much in his ideology in order to be able to see the logical flaws within that system . This bias is so pronounced as to defy penetration . The liberal mind when it finds a contradiction to previously held positions will fall back to a mode of attack in order not to have to change its' way of thinking. This is why the New York Times continues to bash Israel even while reporting unabated Arab terror.

The reason for this goes back to a bias unseen developed in the 18th century and carried forward

into modern times. It is the bias against the Bible as well as Western Religions with whom the rennaisance battled for the ideologic high-ground for almost 2 centuries. In the end the Church adapted the findings of advanced thinkers and the researchers held up their arms in triumph.

However, since they never had to battle the muslims who were highly poor and no threat, no internal bias was formed. To a degree there was a level of "understanding" that these people had been abused by the imperialistic forces as well as church intolerance so as to make them immune from the critiques of the ivory tower class. The same held true for socialists , communists and

violent revolutionaries who were merely reacting to the excesses of power coming from the establishment. Thus these were given free passes and continue to be allowed to behave as animals as long as there are familiar targets to blame.

The Jews as the founders of the hated Bible are familiar targets and easily slip in to the role of excuse makers. Why did we blow up so many children ? It was the Jews' fault. If they weren't where they are we wouldn't have to kill them !!!??? This can only be logical to a mind used to blaming certain people for society's ills . Why is the inner city so violent? Because you don't share your wealth! Why do people take drugs ? Because of the inequalities of society !

Why do the arabs have suicide bombers? Because the Jews exist .Not only do they exist but they are occupying Arab Land ! Never mind that the Land was promised to them in the Bible!

That's because the Bible and the Bible believers are the root of all darkness! Anyone who is an enemy of this darkness must be a friend of the Ivory tower inhabitants!

Such is the war we must wage today. It isn't only with guns. We must use our pens in unison and shout "The Bible Is not the root of all evil , and college professors make mistakes too". Amen

No Justice No peace

The Sidra is called SHOFTIM which means judges. The whole Sidra deals with the structure of authority in the Holy Land. The most important element of authority are proper Judges . As Rashi says that the appointment of Righteous Judges is necessary for inheriting the Land . The end of the Sidra deals with preparation for wars.
What is the connection ? Improper Judges erode the strength of the country so that its' enemies are emboldened. Secondly, the strife caused by a corrupt Judicial system by nature brings war as a byproduct. As the Mishneh in the Ethics of The Fathers declares that the" Sword comes as a result of Justice Delayed and Justice Denied-Al inuy HaDin VeAl Ivus HaDin!"
One only has to see the results of liberal thinking with regards to letting predators go free , or making popular decisions as opposed to the right one. The net result are children killed by animals in human form.
Does this mean i advocate a hanging Judge? Absolutely not! However, public protection must be a factor in allowing criminals bail. Furthermore the delay tactics of the legal communities with regard to trials must be streamlined. Justice must be fair but it also must be swift. With the ability to access information quickly and evaluate evidence objectively with proper technology, it seems that the present system is fraught with unnecessary delays that allow evil people haven, while punishing the innocent. In every system their are checks and balances necessary. The legal system must find ways of protecting the masses even while giving the individual every opportunity of a reasonable defense.
When society grinds to a halt locally, it causes our image in the world to appear as weak and tentative. If we cannot decide to put predators away, then we don't know how to defend ourselves either. 9/11 showed our vulnerability. We as a nation must truly learn from that tragedy and develop the needed strategies to counter an enemy that is to date beyond our imagination. In order to do so, this country must have a unified will ,fueled by a healthy dose as to what justice is truly about.

Dealing with terror

Terror-it's a frightening word. It is even more frightening as a reality of life. The question is .how does the Torah deal with terrorists?
There were two methods that were found to be effective. One was the Samson method.Samson infiltrated the enemy and frustrated them from within.At first he gained their trust by marrying a Philistine woman.he then proceeded to baffle frustrate and and outmaneuver the enemy.
Can this work today? Only by developing a corps of like-minded patriots who wish to rid the earth of Al Quaeda. By planting them in sensitive areas , via their own recruitment it may be possible to frustrate and destroy them.
The second method is warfare. There are no terrorists without a support net. The support net must be attacked mercilessly. The terrorists themselves if caught fighting must be executed. However, terrorists who give themselves up would be spared and allowed to go out of their living area into exile.
The soldiers who face terrorist fighters must be fearless and have what to fight for. They cannot e be at the beginning of their family life. Either the soldier hasn't begun establishing himself, or else he is already in business, with a wife of more than a year. If he has children the better. For he will fight for their sakes with all of his power.
In the event of a fight , it has to be clear to the enemy that if he surrenders and leaves the fray that he can live . However, if he chooses to fight there will be no prisoners taken.This will prevent the suicide bomber and will weed out the true terrorists from their unwilling followers. When people must fight for their lives ,those used to inflicting terror are not so brave. They will die for nothing as the enemy will not allow them the opportunity for terror .Those who have no feeling of fear at all will fight to the end. They are those who could not be rehabilitated. Those unwilling to fight will be spared and will serve as an example for others to follow.

Curses!!!

What a Sidra! it's all about blessings and curses-curses?Why do we need curses ? Shouldn't we be involved with blessings?
The answer is that the matter we received was a blessing-it was called Eretz Yisroel-The Holy Land.
However, how you perceive this gift of the Holy Land determines whether you believe it a blessing or a curse.
You just got news that your wife is expecting-great ! After 10 years of marriage you will finally have someone to nurture for posterity. Wait ! there is another call! Your wife is expecting triplets!
The values you hold dear will determine how you interpret this news. How many of today's couples will ask for and receive partial abortions ...
A blessing in one's eye can be the other's curse, depending upon their value system. If you don't like the reality-DO SOMETHING TO CHANGE IT!

the "Shpize"

The second matter that Moshe mentioned was the story of the spies . Originally the leadership came with the request that the area to be conquered be seen by reconnaissance . This would supposedly allow a smooth military operation to ensue.
What seemed as an innocent request had within it the seeds of failure . Yes , it is more prudent to
spy out the territory . However , this is only when the person is set to do things on his own. However, up until that moment they were being led by G-D himself to enter the Land. So, why
should they even think that it would require their input?
We see from this suggestion that they secretly were dissatisfied with being told what to do and when to do it. Every child wants to grow up and be his own boss. However , they should have realized that G-D ,who intentionally put this nature to be independent into our system for our own benefit. Surely the Creator knew of this need to do for oneself . Obviously , it was preferable at that juncture to listen and do-called Kabolos Ohl-acceptance of the Divine Yoke.
This was a minor detail , yes , but one that caused untold destruction .
Details, Details! The devil is in the details in more ways than one imagines!