In this week's Navi class, we began by discussing the lengthy "steps to the exile" presented in Melachim Bet, Perek Yud Zayin. This process began with Bnei Yisrael's most basic principle that stated: Hashem is all powerful and is the only G-d. This was a monotheistic perspective. Then, the people began to believe in other powers besides Hashem,while still continuing to worship Hashem. Next came Bnei Yisrael giving validity to the practices of other nations and began to contemplate that maybe there is a limit to Hashem's power. However, these were all thoughts. They eventually led to the limit of Hashem's power in their lives.
The next stage began with actions. Bnei Yisrael began to incorporate some of the practices of the other nations into their worship of Hashem. They began to worship Avodah Zarah, in addition to the worship of Hashem. Neviim were sent by Hashem to warn Bnei Yisrael. These Neviim were acknowledged by the people as a messenger of Hashem and realized that they should change their ways. Yet, time and time again, they didn't change. This chapter, like I mentioned earlier, was composed by actions. Due to the influence of the other nations, some of the practices of Avodah Zarah were incorporated into their worship of Hashem and eventually, the impact of the other nations grew so immense that the people began worshipping other gods in addition to worshipping Hashem. This was an entirely deranged manner of worshipping Hashem. Hashem quotes numerous times in the Torah that the people should be holy, for Hashem is holy. How could Bnei Yisrael remain sanctified if their worship was not holy? Worship was one the essences of becoming closer to Hashem; Bnei Yisrael could foster a connection through Avodah to Hashem.
In these first two stages, Bnei Yisrael still had a chance to return to morality because the basic belief of Hashem was still present in their lives.
The third chapter was refusal. Bnei Yisrael didn't want to change their actions, and even justified them! They completely changed their beliefs and stopped having faith in Hashem. This signals the point of no return. Bnei Yisrael were so far off the right path, they themselves would not be able to find a way to return to the right direction because their values were so skewed.
This relates to a concept we studied in class: cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is the tension between belief and action. A person desperately tries to resolve this tension and thus justifies their actions. This applies perfectly to sins. Sins are a "slipper slope." Once you begin one sin, you continue because of this dominant cognitive dissonance. It is almost like a domino effect.
The final step was hatred. Bnei Yisrael despised Judaim and resented the Mitzvot. They began to embrace hedonism and adopted these hedonistic values of society. The people left the the Miztvot and began to totally worship Avodah Zarah. This led to the final punishment of this dreadful time; exile. The ten tribes of Shomron were exiled first and then Yehudah would immediately follow.
We then shifted gears and returned to learning Sefer Yeshayahu. Perek Yud serves a special purpose to the people of Yehudah. This Perek is asking Yehudah what they can learn from Galut Shomron. There is definitely a message meant for the people in this. However, there is a lesson to be conveyed to the people of Ashur.
Let's consider the following: why is Ashur attacking? There are several answers, concerning both geopolitical and religious perspectives. I would like to focus on the religious perspective and its message to Yehuah. Ashur is the rod of Hashem's wrath, essentially Hashem's tool. Hashem is bringing Ashur to attack Yehudah due to the lack of Tzedek U'Mishpat (injustice, perverted judgement of the impoverished, widows, and orphans). The people are seemingly mockingly asked: "who will you turn to in times of destruction?"
The message to Ashur is as follows. Ashur is a pawn. Hashem is the puppeteer. Ashur is successful in its attacks only because Hashem is allowing them to vanquish the people. This will prove to be a problem for Ashur. Their haughtiness will merit destruction and the downfall of this seemingly unconquerable nation will be through Bavel. This seems to be a recurring issue in all leadership at the time: haughtiness brings destruction. Could the message be any more blatant?
Hashem continues to assure Bnei Yisrael that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Many of Bnei Yisrael will be destroyed but there will come a time when the dispersed will return to Hashem.
This leads into Perakim Yud Aleph- Yud Bet. The qualities of an ideal leader are described. This leader is depicted as fearing Hashem and an impartial judge, rewarding righteousness and punishing evil. Status or external factors will not take precedence over fairness. The spirit of Hashem will rest upon this person. He will have a perspective based on this Yirat Hashem and not his own intuitions. An interesting note to add is that this person will descend from David Hamelech. The imagery used suggests a complete contrast to Achaz, which could then refer to Uziyahu. This entire vision is an absolute opposition to the current situation! The qualities are a counterbalance to the actions of the people and their skewed values.
The Perakim continue to create this picture of an ideal world and leader. Instead of a military with swords and shields, this leader will possess Emunah and Tzedek as his weapons.
Perhaps the most important values of this "perfect society" are that predators and prey will live together in harmony and peace because HASHEM'S knowledge will be spread throughout the land, not the twisted values of the other nations. Hashem will then gather the dispersed among the nations from the four corners of the world. Shomron and Yehudah will not envy one another. Instead they will fight as one to destroy their enemies and allow the remnant to return. Praise directed at Hashem will be proclaimed throughout the land, thanking Hashem for lifting his wrath. Celebrations of joy will thus commence.
There are many distinct commentaries regarding this portrayal. Kabbalists say that in Yimot Hamashiach, the nature of the world will change, with no more predators viscously hunting their prey. The Rambam offers a rationalistic perspective. This entire picture that is described is a metaphor for world peace. The knowledge that Hashem is in control will unify the people and thus produce world peace.
Immediately after learning this, a certain children's book entered my mind. This book is called כשהכריש והדג נפגשו לראשונה. It was written by Gilad Shalit at the age of eleven. It was released by the parents of Gilad Shalit in 2008. This book is so beautiful and relevant to our lives; I encourage everyone to read it.
כשהכריש והדג נפגשו לראשונה tells the story of, literally, the time the shark and the fish met for the first time. This symbolic story depicts the friendship formed between a shark and a fish, despite the natural enmity and tension that exists between the two species.
This story is a perfect example of the Pesukim we learned in class. If the shark and the fish can learn to live in peace with one another, it is possible for us as well. This involves us possessing the knowledge of Hashem, the knowledge of morality and equality. We have to respect and accept one another in this world. The shark and the fish learned to receive one another favorably in such short time. They simply realized that they were not as different as they think.
Haughtiness forms its way into here as well. Arrogance is a major factor in hostility. When one thinks they are better than another person, they usually are not accepting of them. This is not just a problem in world leadership, it is a problem in our everyday lives! People are unwilling to listen to other's opinions and thoughts, much less acknowledge their presence.
This was the problem that occurred during this period. The people were lacking morals towards their fellows. They were arrogant towards one another, preventing this peace of the shark and fish living together. Even Shomron and Yehudah, the same nation, envied one another! This was the entire opposite of an ideal world!
Preceding the story was a letter written by Noam and Avivah Shalit, the parents of Gilad Shalit. They so brilliantly wrote that one day, they hope that the fish and the shark will be able to dwell together in harmony. This could not be more true. There will come a day when there will be peace. However, we must join together in order to make it happen.
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