This weekend is like a mini Tisha B’av. Tisha B’av, which occurs in the summer, is the Jewish people’s day of mourning for all the tragedies that took place in the distant past, from the first century onwards.
This weekend, of November 9-11, feels like a new, modern version of Tisha B’av, a weekend of mourning for events in the 20th century. On this weekend, we mourn Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated on November 4, 1995; we remember Kristallnacht, which took place on November 9-10, 1938; and of course we honour all those who lost their lives in American wars, and all those who continue to serve in the military.
Parashat Lech Lecha is a striking parasha for Veterans Day weekend. An entire chapter in our parasha is taken up by war and battles between various kingdoms. Groups of kingdoms band together to attack other groups of kingdoms. For example, in Genesis Chapter 14: 1, we read, ‘Now, when King Amraphel of Shinar, King Arioch of Ellasar, King Chedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim made war on King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar, all the latter joined forces at the Valley of Siddim, now the Dead Sea.’
Although these kingdoms were clearly powerful, none of them remain. Those who were occupied with power, greed, and desire for territory did not survive. Only Abraham and the Israelites have remained. Only those who made a covenant with God thrived and continue to this day. Only those who did not focus on acquiring territory or possessions but focused on faith and mission continue.
This weekend, we honour the peacemakers, the ones who battle for justice and freedom, and who are greedy for kindness, generosity and faith. This Shabbat, may we join their ranks.
May God protect those who serve for the good, on our behalf.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Marcia Plumb
