On this Shabbat we read Parashat Eikev, the third parasha of Devarim or Deuteronomy. The portion is a continuation of Moses’ speech to the Israelites as they stand ready to enter the land of Israel. They are reminded that they must keep God’s commandments in order to find life meaningful and fulfilling. They are reminded of what happened to them in the desert and of the many mistakes they made. Finally, they are also told that once they are in the land, they must not arrogantly assume that it is because of their righteousness and good deeds that they now possess this beautiful place. Rather, they must remember that it is by God’s choice and power that they are in the land of Israel.
Looking back on my notes on this Torah portion I saw that in 2005 I wrote the commentary for the eletter for Eikev. It was the very week that Israel was finalizing its disengagement with Gaza. As there are today, there were mixed feelings about this and lots being written about the Israelis who were giving up their homes, the relinquishing of the land, the importance of this for the Palestinian people, and possible steps toward peace. Rereading my own words, its painful to face today’s reality for Israel and Gaza while reconnecting with that reality from 20 years ago.
In 2005 the Jewish community was divided on Gaza as we are now. In an op-ed piece in the Forward from that week, Rabbi Avi Weiss addresses this topic of the split he was seeing in our Jewish community. Despite our different beliefs he makes a plea for unity. He writes: “Unity means that no side has a monopoly on love for the land of Israel.” Those who support land for peace have as much love of the country as those who are against it. Further, the left must acknowledge and praise the great sacrifice of those leaving their homes in Gaza and the right must learn to hold civil and peaceful protests with an eye toward the value of preserving Israel’s unity. Rabbi Weiss explains that the disagreement about the disengagement in Gaza is an internal family matter. “In a strong family” he says, “the members, despite their differences, remain committed to their love for one another. The test of family occurs when love prevails over any disagreement. So too, for the family of Israel. The real test is how the nation holds together even when its citizens disagree. Notwithstanding differences, the force of love must sustain the integrity of our oneness.” I agree with Rabbi Weiss in 2005 and I agree today as well. I hope you do too.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Amy Schwartzman
